The first day of school is full of excitement, and sometimes full of surprises. One mom planned everything the night before, got a whole houseful of kids fed, dressed and out the door, and still arrived at school before anyone was ready for her.
Mom and creator @its.ashleyhenson walked through the entire morning, hour by hour, including the mix up that sent her family right back to the car.
@its.ashleyhenson
A big day with a big setup
The morning starts at 7:00 a.m. Mom explains that she set up decorations the night before for the kids, and when she opens the blinds, festive star and banner garlands are hanging from the ceiling. It is Sunny’s first day of kindergarten, and Banks is starting a second year of preschool. Mom mixes batter, slices bananas and cooks pancakes on an electric griddle.
By 7:30 she is waking the older kids and styling hair, and greeting the little ones in their cribs. There is a cool Spider-Man shirt to admire, sleep sacks to unzip and a hallway full of children running under the hanging stars. When the family sits down to eat, the mood is lively, and the on screen text warns that the sounds of their real morning are included. Dad helps with the crying toddlers in booster seats, everyone eats pancakes, and the nanny arrives to help. Mom’s caption for that moment is a simple “Bless the nanny.”
“We thought school started at 8:15”
The family gets everyone out of the house and arrives at the school parking lot around 8:20, and something feels off. Mom remembers thinking, “Why’s nobody here?” She and her husband walk the kids to the door anyway. A staff member asks, “Can we help you?” and Mom answers, “We’re just dropping our kids off.”
The reply is polite and clear. They are about 20 minutes early. According to the on screen text, school starts at 9:15, and the earliest drop off is 8:45. Mom laughs at herself: “Oh, oops. Got the time mixed up.” The family leaves, comes back and walks the kids in again at 8:45, this time at the right time.
It is an easy mistake to make on a day with this much going on, and she tells it with a good sense of humor.
Why first day mix ups happen
Schools often have different times for the start of class, the opening of the drop off window and the first bell. Preschool, kindergarten and older grades may also follow different schedules, and the times can change from year to year. When a parent has several children, an old schedule can easily stick in memory.
How to avoid a drop off mix up
- Check the school’s official schedule. Look at the handout, the website or the latest email, and do not rely on last year’s times.
- Note both times. Write down the earliest drop off time and the start of class, because they are often different.
- Put it in your phone. Add the schedule to your calendar with a reminder the night before.
- Confirm for each child. If your kids attend different programs, double check every one.
- Ask if you are unsure. The front office is happy to answer questions, especially in the first week.
- Build in a little cushion. Aim to arrive close to the opening time, not a long time before it.
Setting up the night before
Mom’s decision to decorate the night before is a lovely idea for a special morning. A few other things can be done ahead of time, too.
- Lay out outfits. Pick clothes for every child, shoes included.
- Pack backpacks. Put them by the door with water bottles and any forms.
- Plan breakfast. A simple breakfast keeps the morning calm, and pancake batter can be made in advance.
- Talk about the plan. Tell the kids what to expect so they feel ready.
- Get to bed on time. A rested family handles surprises better.
Common questions about back to school mornings
What if I arrive too early? Schools usually have staff supervising only at certain times. If you arrive before the doors open, it is best to wait or come back, as this family did.
How can I make the first day less stressful? Prepare the night before, keep the routine simple and plan for a few extra minutes. A relaxed parent helps kids feel more relaxed, too.
Is it normal to feel emotional? Yes. Plenty of parents feel proud and a little sad on the first day of kindergarten.
The takeaway
Even the most organized mom can mix up the time on the first day of school. What counts is the kids walking in happy, a morning full of pancakes and stars and a story that makes everyone laugh. Double check the schedule, enjoy the day and be kind to yourself.
Credit for the original post goes to @its.ashleyhenson on TikTok.