Parenting Tips
Updated: Aug. 31, 2023 | Originally Published: Aug. 31, 2023
Last school year was quite a whirlwind for my family. I was nearing the end of my pregnancy with my fourth child while juggling school runs for my other kids, who attended a school that was a hefty 25 miles away. Trust me, if a bus had been an option, I would have jumped on it to avoid becoming the headline of “Mom Goes Into Labor on the Highway.” We were on the brink of moving into our new home, and I was determined that the kids should start school where we would eventually settle down in sunny San Diego. I didn’t want to have to switch schools twice, and looking back, I’m grateful for that choice. However, once the baby arrived, I found myself staying put in the car during those school drop-offs.
Post-baby, the idea of getting out of the car felt like a monumental task. The mere thought of stepping out was exhausting. Seriously, it felt akin to climbing a mountain. I was so drained from sleepless nights that I allowed myself to become lazy. The time spent in the bucket seat of my Chevy Suburban became the closest thing to relaxation I could manage.
School drop-off and pickup times often coincided with my most fatigued moments of the day. Because of this, I didn’t engage with the other moms—the soccer moms, the organized moms, the PTA moms, and even the “bad” moms. Little did I know how much I was missing out on. If you think you can do without these connections, you might want to reconsider.
During the Summer Olympics, I kept hearing Maya Angelou’s poem “Human Family” play on loop. “We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike.” Despite our diverse paths, we share so many commonalities as mothers. Some of us have navigated difficult journeys, while others have sailed through smoothly, but we all have faced challenges to reach this point called motherhood. From experiencing pregnancy loss to overcoming fertility issues, we have all fought our battles. Whether we work outside the home or stay home, we’ve made it here together, and indeed, “we are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike.”
Why Moms Should Step Outside Their Vehicles During School Drop-Offs
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Expand Your Tribe
Parenting is a tough gig. Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom or a working mom, building your support network is invaluable. With two of my four kids now in school, I’m committed to getting out of my car and connecting with other inspiring moms. I want to know who I can share a glass of wine with, who might lend a shoulder to cry on, and who can boost each other up in this wild world of motherhood. Plus, those super-organized moms who send out reminders about spirit days are invaluable. These are the parents I’ll see for the next decade, and creating a community will only make us stronger.Today, I arrived at school with a newfound enthusiasm. I felt like a cheerleader, ready to walk the track alongside other moms on this journey. There’s something exciting about the first day of school—those butterflies never really go away! I exchanged smiles, traded numbers, and began to cultivate my tribe. By the end of it, I left feeling a sense of belonging. I even scheduled a coffee date with another mom! For this reason alone, I encourage you to resist the temptation to stay in your car. Trust me, park the vehicle and take the time to meet your new squad—because “we are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike.”
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Be a Helping Hand
No mom is perfect, and we all need support at some point. Living on the West Coast while my family is on the East Coast has made the parents of my kids’ classmates my extended family. Whether it’s shuffling kids to school or getting the scoop on teachers, having a list of contacts will make your life easier. Plus, what if someone needs my help? I want to be the mom who steps up. The joy of assisting a fellow mom or dad is something I cherish. I want my community to know that I’m here and ready to help! -
Cultivate Your Community
As someone who was new to this community last year, I found myself in survival mode—barely connecting with anyone. My kids often mentioned friends, but I struggled to remember names and faces. No more! I want our family to be engaged and aware of local happenings. If I hadn’t stepped out of my car today, I would have missed discovering that one mom is organizing a donation drive for a family in need, and I learned from our principal about the new morning running club for students and parents. Now, I’m all in! I love being part of this community! -
Set a Good Example
While self-care is important, I can always squeeze in that gym class later. My kids come first, and I want to set an example for them about the importance of community and connection. Seeing their excitement when I walk them to class is priceless, and I want to cherish this while I can. Strapping my baby in the carrier and holding my 4-year-old’s hand not only helps them feel included but also fosters their bond. Their cheerful voices saying, “You’re the best, Mom,” remind me that I’m doing something right.
I’ve decided that as long as I can park my car three out of the five school days, I’m winning. Whether volunteering, helping at school, or simply giving my kids a hug, I’m ready to be present. I’m prepared to navigate the parenting crowds, introduce myself, and offer support. As C.S. Lewis wisely stated, “Children are not a distraction from more important work. They are the most important work.”
In conclusion, stepping out of your car during school drop-offs opens up a world of connection and support that every mom deserves. If you want to learn more about family journeys or explore topics like home insemination, check out this article or this one. For more detailed information on insemination, you can refer to this excellent resource.