As the school year approaches, I find myself in the school supply aisle, trying to hold back tears. It’s that time again, and I can’t shake the feeling that I’m not fully prepared. I’m the one purchasing shoes that now fit two sizes larger, fighting to keep my eyes dry as a young sales associate looks on. I’m the mom fumbling with my camera as my daughter confidently walks down the aisle as a flower girl, her bravery and growth catching me off guard. I refer to these as “motherhood tears”—emotions that are distinctly tied to the experience of being a mother. They are tears of pride, gratitude, fear, excitement, and an overwhelming love.
These aren’t tears of frustration or weariness—though I’ve certainly shed those as well. Instead, these are unexpected, heartfelt tears that sometimes make me feel a bit foolish for crying at the simplest moments.
At first, I thought I was alone in this emotional response, that other moms didn’t experience the same thing. However, I’ve come to realize I’m not alone. I’ve shared knowing nods with fellow moms who have teared up during dance recitals or daycare drop-offs, and I’ve found comfort in the fact that my friends have also admitted to shedding tears in these moments.
As a result, I’ve stopped suppressing my emotions. My seven-year-old daughter has started to notice these moments. When she saw me crying on her brother’s last day in toddler class, she innocently asked why I “cry like a mom.”
What Triggers My Tears?
So what is it that triggers my tears as school begins?
I cry simply because they are one year older. It doesn’t matter how experienced I am at dropping them off; I’m still the mom standing by the door, sobbing in the car on my way to work.
I cry when she casually asks if Santa is real on a Saturday morning, and I have to confront the truth. These big moments come without warning; there’s no guide to help me navigate the right answers. I dive in headfirst, holding my breath until it’s over, only to realize later that I’m crying over the loss of her childhood belief in Santa.
I cry because my son is getting his first haircut. Those baby curls that smell like no-tears shampoo are my favorite. I know that as those curls are snipped away, they reveal a little boy beneath, and I’m not ready for that change.
I cry at Sesame Street Live, where they adore Elmo just as much as he adores them. It’s a parenting truth that witnessing their pure joy can overwhelm me with emotion. I was not prepared for the tears that accompanied the sight of giant puppets on stage, but their happiness was contagious.
I cry when I think about my daughter taking the stage at her upcoming recital. The preparation and excitement will last for weeks, and when the moment arrives, I know I won’t be able to contain my tears of pride and awe as I watch her perform.
I cry for the older kids who will also be on stage—more seasoned and skilled. I won’t know them, yet I’ll feel an overwhelming rush of emotion watching them. They will remind me of how quickly my own children are growing up, and it fills me with both pride and trepidation.
These tears are part of the experience of motherhood, a reflection of love and the bittersweet nature of watching our children grow.
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Summary
The emotional journey of motherhood often surfaces during significant milestones like the start of a new school year. As children grow, mothers experience a mix of pride, joy, and bittersweet loss. From tearful moments in the school supply aisle to emotional performances on stage, these heartfelt tears are a testament to the deep love and connection between mothers and their children.
Keyphrase: School Is Starting: A Mom’s Emotional Journey
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