Hello, has anyone seen the school year slip by? I'm not sure what triggered it, but I suddenly realized the year is over—and it leaves me feeling terrified, guilty, and on the verge of tears (pick your emotion).
Was it spotting the 3rd trimester class council just 5 days away?
Filling out the health form for the end-of-year Little Big school trip?
Scrambling to organize a birthday party on July 1 with friends (my go-to chaotic planning style)?
Booking their flight for summer vacation at Grandpa's house?
Begging my mother-in-law to watch them for a week at the beginning of July?
Securing tickets for the year-end Hip Hop gala?
Or opening those re-registration emails for extracurricular activities? BUT WHAT? I JUST SIGNED THEM UP YESTERDAY!!!
(And they were born just yesterday, not 10 and 12.5 years ago.)
No? Well, that's my mindset entering June—one of the toughest months for moms.
I'm more exhausted than during the baby years. My acupuncturist confirmed deep fatigue, overwork, and burnout last week—all of it.
As the mom of a 12-year-old starting middle school and a 10-year-old, plus two years after leaving my corporate job to become Associate Director at a thriving new communication agency, life is intense but rewarding.
My daughter's college transition has been a game-changer—I was warned, I knew, but it hit hard. My partner is equally swamped professionally, leaving me in 'solo parent' mode for weeks.
Unlike early parenthood, I now spot the warning signs and know how to act. I've leaned on dinners with fellow mom friends, acupuncture sessions, luxurious organic facials at Phyt's (highly recommended), and weekend naps. Massages are next.
Soon, vacations will lighten the load. I'll catch up professionally and enjoy some well-deserved relaxation.
This year, though, guilt and anxiety hit differently—I worry I didn't savor enough moments with my youngest, who blissfully breezes through homework to focus on Lego inventions, pixel art, and Hama bead models (stay tuned for a deep dive).
I also dropped the ball on my 12-year-old's school tracking as she morphed into full teen mode—nails, hair, and all the attitude.
Nails and hair (and cuteness) included.
Adolescence has arrived—and trust me, before this, it was nothing.
How are you holding up?
