Transitions can be some of the most challenging times for our kids. Whether it’s waking up in the morning, getting picked up from school, or winding down at bedtime, these moments often bring out big emotions and struggles.
But why? The common thread is that these are all transitions—times when your child has to shift from one setting or activity to another. And switching gears isn’t easy!
Imagine how it feels to move from the comfort of your bed to bright sunlight and the rush of the morning routine. Or consider the emotional release after holding it all together at school. Now, with you, they feel safe enough to let it out. And after the excitement of playing after dinner, the thought of settling down for bed can seem like a huge leap.
In all these moments, your babies need your guidance. They need your help to navigate the change and learn how to transition smoothly from one part of the day to the next. By understanding the challenges they face and being present with them, you can make these times a little easier and help them develop the skills to handle transitions well.
Since it’s back-to-school season, I want to let you in on a little secret that I’ve learned over the years….I know the excitement of the new school year can be overwhelming, but there’s one thing that I’ve never really enjoyed—and maybe you feel the same way. Yep, I’m talking about the carpool line. It’s chaotic, time-consuming, and sometimes downright frustrating. But let me tell you why sticking it out is more than worth it.
I know, I know… I used to dread carpool too. I would sit there with my coffee, feeling impatient as the cars inched forward, dealing with drivers cutting in line. It was a real test of my patience. But despite all that, I did it—and now, I’m glad I did.
Because what I didn’t realize at the time was that picking up my kids wasn’t just about transporting them from school to home. It was about the magic of those in-between moments, those transitional times.
The car ride home is a special time when your kids transition from their busy school day to the comfort of home. Your car becomes a little sanctuary where your children can unload their day, share stories, and express their emotions. They come from a world of constant stimulation and walk into your space, ready to reconnect. That small window of time is priceless. Even if you’re heading straight to another activity, that initial moment with you sets the tone.
Your kids hop into the car, bubbling over with stories, eager to tell you everything that happened. They’re excited, waving their papers around, or maybe they’re a little down because something didn’t go right. Either way, you’re there, right when they need someone to listen. It’s during these car rides that you get to be their sounding board, their comfort, and their biggest fan. It’s your chance to help them regulate their emotions—whether it’s celebrating their wins or soothing their hurts.
Think of it like this: when kids come to you after a long day, they’re looking for a place to be seen, heard, and supported. They’re learning how to process their feelings in a safe space.
This is especially important on tough days when they might feel lonely, upset, or confused. Your presence in those moments teaches them how to handle their emotions and face the world with resilience.
Even if carpool isn’t your favorite part of the day, remember that it’s more than just a mundane task that we as mummas have to do. It’s a daily opportunity to connect with your kids, to help them deal with their emotions, and to be that constant, reassuring presence in their lives.
It’s truly a holy moment. It’s not always glamorous, but it’s one of the countless little things that make a big difference in your child’s world.
So hang in there, mumma—you’re doing an amazing job, one carpool line at a time.
