Moms Talk Q&A: First Day of School

Each week our Moms Council discusses a different parenting issue. Join the conversation by weighing in on a topic or ask our panel of experts your question.

We put this week's question to our North Potomac-Darnestown Patch for their ideas and advice. The suggestions don’t end here‚ add your own tips and advice in the comments section below.

This week's question comes from , a reader and Moms Council member.

A friend of mine holds a gathering the first day of school for the moms in her neighborhood. She sets up one room with pom poms, noise makers and other things we use to celebrate occasions. She sets up another room with tissues and sentimental childhood things. She calls it her "Cheers and Tears Party." What will you be doing the first day of school? Cheering? Or Tearing?

: I am definitely in the "Cheering" room. I love my children dearly and love to have them home and with me; we get out and do a variety of activities, and they can relax and "just be themselves." But, 10 weeks of summer holidays is just too much!

I work full time (albeit from home), and my schedule is upside down in the summer. Breakfast is at 11 a.m., sometimes later (I have teenagers), lunch is at 4 p.m. and dinner well—much too late for my aging metabolism. One child has to be at work or health class, the other has plans with friends but needs a ride over or is at adventure / fishing camp. I must double my "chauffeuring miles" just getting them from place to place.

So when it all comes to an end—even my children are ready to go back to school, and I am very happy to see them go. Can you imagine how great it would be to have year-round school? It's better for the students, six weeks at school and then three weeks off—better for parents?

: This is a timely question for me, as our oldest (twins) enter kindergarten in a few weeks—a huge milestone for all of us! I thought I would be teary—and may still shed a few on their first day—but instead I find myself more excited for them and for all of the opportunities and adventures that lie ahead.

It is incredible to get to experience life's big moments again through our children, and to watch them become more independent and confident. I think it's bittersweet—a little bit sad but a "happy sad" because we're so lucky to experience these types of milestones with our kids. I love the idea of sharing the experience with other moms, though—what a better support network than others who are in the same boat?!

: No cheers or tears on the first day of school from me. As much as I don't like handing my kids over to MCPS, the school year provides a schedule and structure that our hectic summer lacks. I always thought summers were to be laid and relaxing—not true with three active kids! Even though I will miss having them around, I have hope that the school year holds many milestones that we can enjoy together.