The Kids Are Back to School. What Do I Do Now?

Pick-ups and drop-offs never end, but someday they will.

My girls are back in school.

Yay?

This summer has been one for the books, filled with fireworks, family reunions, train rides, trips to the zoo, and multiple beach visits.

We’ve spent time at the library (shout out to the Solano County Library and Santa Barbara Public Library!) and enjoyed lunch dates in the park and at Sam’s Club (hot dogs, drinks, and chips for under $10? Sign me up!).

There is a joy to having the kids back in school. For example, I am currently writing this piece on a Thursday morning rather than my typical weekday nights at 10 pm.

I’m listening to a Spotify playlist called “Lounge Soft House,” and I have to say, not bad!

The house is a little messy, but that’s okay. After a summer of lugging my sweet, sweet girls all over the place, cleaning up with them (but mostly after them), I’m putting my blinders on for one, maybe two days, and enjoying the peace and quiet…

Though is it too peaceful? Too quiet?

I’ve got a Kindergartener and a Third Grader who are a joy to be with. Sure, about 24 hours ago, this would have been a struggle to say as the two were arguing over which pillow to use on the couch, but I know how fast this time will go.

The days are long, but the years are short. Ain’t that the truth?

Going back to school comes with its own set of problems. For example, my wife and I dropped the girls off this morning around 8 am and need to be back by 12:30 pm for pick-up.

Oh, but there’s more because our Third Grader needs to be picked up at 2:30 pm, so that’ll be fun: three trips to school every school day for the next few years.

I could complain, and sometimes I do, but seriously, what good would that do?

In our little car rides, we get to have conversations about everything. On our way to school, we get pumped up, ready to start our day on a high note. After school, I learn all about their friends and gain the tiniest insight into the things that make them tick.

Most days, the conversations are forgotten by the time we enter the door, but every so often, I find a tiny puzzle piece that makes up the person my kids are destined to become.

I absolutely love it.

With my girls back in school, I’ll have more time to write and develop my freelance business, helping organizations hire more efficiently. I’ll have more time to work out, and the dogs will certainly love the reasonably timed talks.

Maybe my wife and I will have a few midday lunch dates? Call me crazy!

I know how important school is, not only from an educational standpoint but also from a life perspective. I met some of my best friends in the classroom, and I know my girls are doing the same.

Each day is a gift, and I’m working harder to believe my own words.

I couldn’t be more excited to have them back in school, but honestly, I miss them a little bit, too.

Complicated and opposing thoughts inside my own heart: the joys of being a dad.