Kids might be the ones heading through the doors, but parents experience their fair share of back-to-school jitters. And excitement. And sadness.
Yes, the end of summer can be one big pile of emotions for parents, too.
Distress
2 of 8
That moment you realize your kid is running from the car, but not toward the school.
Early workout at 5 a.m. Wake up the kids at 6 a.m. Breakfast at 6:30. Out the door at 7 a.m. Arrive in the drop-off lane at 7:15. Realize the PTA president is in the car in front of you and you're still in your sweaty running shorts and shirt. Oh, the judgment.
Excitement
3 of 8
That moment you realize the whole world is in front of them.
New teachers, new classmates, new clothes, new backpack. Your kid has a fresh haircut, a toothy grin and is ready to take on the world (or at least second grade).
Apprehension
4 of 8
That moment you realize your kid is on his own.
You've heard things about that English teacher, Mr. Smith. Oh, and there's a new soccer coach this year. You want to make sure your kid gets good grades and plays forward, but teacher meetings aren't until the middle of the term.
Joy
5 of 8
That moment you realize you can have a cup of coffee in peace.
School might start at 8 a.m., but the bus picks up the crew at 7:05. As for work, you don't need to leave until 7:45. Sweet silence.
Loathing
6 of 8
That moment you realize it's been 20 years since you multiplied fractions.
Once classes are in full swing, you won't be clearing off the table just for dinner -- although the moans and groans might be the same. Your kids will be tasked with replacing their nightly free time with homework... and you might have to help.
Envy
7 of 8
That moment you realize you're buying cool gel pens for your kids and not yourself.
The smell of new folders and the sound of opening a new, brightly colored notebook for the first time. Let's be honest, it's difficult not to get a bit envious of the kids' new school supplies and long for the days of Trapper Keepers and Lisa Frank folders.
Sadness
8 of 8
That moment you realize your baby isn't a baby.
You swear it was just yesterday you were waking up in the middle of the night and rocking a wee one in your arms. How on earth is that little one starting her first day of junior high?
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