Last school year was a whirlwind for me and my family. I was deep into my pregnancy with my fourth child while juggling drop-offs at a school a whopping 25 miles away. Trust me, if they had a bus, I would have signed them up in a heartbeat to avoid a headline like, “Mom Delivers Baby on the Side of the Road.” With our new home nearly ready, I thought it best for my kids to start school where we’d ultimately settle down in sunny San Diego. I was determined not to switch schools twice, and looking back, I’m so glad I made that call. However, as my due date approached, getting out of the car to drop off the kids felt like climbing Everest.
Even after giving birth, the idea of stepping out during drop-offs and pickups still seemed like a Herculean task. I was so sleep-deprived that the thought of getting out of the comfy seat in my SUV was just too much. The car seat felt like my personal spa chair. Those school runs coincided with my most drained moments of the day, so I didn’t even attempt to connect with the other moms – the soccer moms, the PTA moms, the trendy millennial moms, or even the rebellious ones. Little did I know how much I’d miss out on by not engaging with them.
During the Summer Olympics, I kept hearing Maya Angelou’s poem, “Human Family,” echoing in my mind: “We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike.” Despite our different stories, we share common ground. Parenting, whether through natural birth, C-section, surrogacy, or adoption, is a journey filled with challenges. Some moms have faced hurdles like pregnancy loss or fertility struggles. Regardless of our paths, we are united in our experiences as mothers, and we truly are more alike than not.
Here are four solid reasons why moms should step out of the car during school drop-offs this year:
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Expanding Your Support Group
Parenting is tough, and having a tribe makes it easier. Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom or a working one, there’s strength in numbers. With two of my four kids in school now, I’m determined to get out of the car, introduce myself, and find out who’s up for sharing a glass of wine or who might lend a sympathetic ear. Those organized moms who send reminders about spirit days? They’re the kind of allies you want by your side. We’ll be in this school community together for years, and building these connections will only strengthen us.Just today, I felt like a cheerleader, excited to walk the track with other moms on this journey. Even after multiple first-day drop-offs, I still get butterflies. But smiles were exchanged, numbers were swapped, and just like that, my tribe has begun to form. I walked away feeling a sense of belonging, and I’ve already got a coffee date lined up with one of the moms. So please, don’t fall into the trap of staying in the car. Trust me, park it, walk your kids in, and meet your new squad because “we are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike.”
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Being a Helping Hand
None of us are perfect, and we all need a little help sometimes. Living on the West Coast while my family resides on the East Coast means that the parents of my kids’ classmates have become my extended family. Whether it’s carpooling, sharing insights about teachers, or offering supplies for themed days, having a network of fellow parents is invaluable. Plus, what if someone needs my support? I want to be that mom who’s always willing to lend a hand. Being remembered as the helpful one? That’s the legacy I aim for. -
Creating Your Community
Last year, I was merely surviving, hardly interacting with other parents and forgetting names left and right. My kids would share stories about their friends, and I could barely match them to faces. But I’m done with that! I want my family to be an active part of our community. If I hadn’t stepped out of my car today, I wouldn’t have learned about a mom organizing donations for a family in need or a running club starting up for parents and kids before school. I’m all in for this community! -
Being a Role Model
Sure, it’s vital for me to take care of myself, but my kids come first. If I miss the 8 a.m. barre class, there’s always another one later. I want my kids to see me actively involved in their lives, and I cherish the sparkle in their eyes when I walk them to class, knowing that these moments won’t last forever. I’ll embrace this while I can.Getting my baby strapped in and holding my 4-year-old’s hand during drop-off has been a joy for the little ones. They might be the youngest, but they’ll be in school soon enough. I can see my efforts paying off when I hear their sweet voices say, “You’re the best, Mom.”
If I can park the car three out of five school days, I’ll consider that a win. Whether it’s volunteering, asking if the school needs help, or just giving my kids a hug, I’m ready to jump into the parenting community. As C.S. Lewis wisely said, “Children are not a distraction from more important work. They are the most important work.”
In summary, stepping out of the car during school drop-offs isn’t just about logistics; it’s about building connections, offering help, fostering community, and setting a great example for our kids. So go ahead, take that step – your tribe is waiting for you.