Big Feelings & Pillow Confetti

Back to school – the first week of second grade, unfiltered.

Summer wrapped up quicker than ever. Between epic summer roadtrips, a full house purge, father-son adventures through the PNW and Yellowstone, and celebrating Cici turning ONE the week before school – our days were packed.

Then came the rush: do we have school clothes? Supplies? The first-day morning scramble? We almost forgot the classic first day photos (oops!).

But we made it – with more smiles than tears. And honestly? That feels like a big win.

The weekend before school started, everything felt off. Henry was defiant. Meltdowns came in waves. Bedtime turned into a battle. His tummy hurt. His little mind wouldn’t stop racing. By 11 p.m., he was still wide awake.

After some gentle questioning, he finally whispered what was really weighing on him: “I’m really worried… what if there are bullies? What if I don’t make any friends?”

My heart cracked wide open.

And if I’m honest … I was worried too. The what ifs started swirling in my own head: what if there are bullies? What if he doesn’t connect with either of the split teachers? What if the new classroom structure isn’t right for him?

Because while I stand strong in front of him, smiling big, telling him, “You’ve got this buddy” – inside, I’m still just a mom, doing her best. Holding my breath. Hoping I got it all right.

Magic Under the Pillow

The night before school started, we tucked a little surprise under Henry’s pillow: a sprinkle of confetti and a special note from his teacher.

A tiny gesture. But to him? Magic.

He read the note, smiling just a little – like maybe, just maybe he was ready for second grade. Of course, the nerves were still there. But so was something else: wonder.

A reminder that school isn’t just rules, homework and routines, it can be special, too.

The First Day.

Alarms rang. TODAY was the day. The first day of second grade for one nervous 7-year-old (and his equally nervous mom).

Shoes on, backpack zipped, lunch – check. We were almost out the door when it hit me – PHOTOS!! Cue the scramble. Backyard, couch, entryway…snap, snap, snap.

“Cici! Smile!” (she was more interested in Henry’s Pokemon backpack), “Henry, smile. Like a real one, like school pictures!” (cue me taking a million photos, praying one turns out.)

Finally a half-decent grin, “Okay, that’ll work – car! GO! We can’t be late!”

And just like that, our second grader is officially too cool for pictures. But you know what? We got the shot. Sun in his eyes, flag in his face, and all. Imperfectly perfect – and maybe that’s exactly how these memories are supposed to be.

Drop off line was a zoo – as expected – but the buzz of the first day was electric! Henry leaped out of the car, full of nerves and excitement, ready to face second grade. I smiled as I drove off, but my heart ached just a little, whispering a prayer that his day would be kind to him.

And then – I got home. Deep sigh. Just me, Cici, and Rocket (our pup). Suddenly the house felt quieter, but somehow my thoughts got louder. The walls felt different. The rhythm was different. Rocket wanted to play, Cici wanted to be held, and me? I just wanted to sit and drink a hot cup of coffee without moving for five minutes.

Instead, I stared down a full to-do list with zero motivation. Standing in the kitchen, I asked myself, “where do I even start?”

The days blurred. Monday felt like Wednesday. Wednesday felt like Friday. And then Friday came and I blinked – where did the week go? What did I even do?

But here’s the truth: even when it doesn’t feel like enough, a lot was accomplished. New routines were found, hearts stretched to adjust, and a new season began. Sometimes the biggest wins aren’t in the checkmarks but in simply making it through.

The First Week Wins (and Real-Life Moments):

When the Bell Rights … and the Screen Turns On

As a 90’s kid, there was nothing better than when the teacher wheeled in the TV cart – Bill Nye, Reading Rainbow, the Magic School bus or if we were lucky, a full movie.

So when Henry casually mentioned a movie at school, I paused. Zero context, just “we watched a movie from Netflix!”. And here’s the part of the school day that’s tugged at me since kindergarten: between the final bell at 2:30 and carline pickup, the kids watch TV.

Not Bill Nye. Not Reading Rainbow. Not PBS Kids. Not it’s Netflix style movies.

And honestly? It bothered me. I understand the logistics – there’s a transition period with walkers and dismissal chaos. Teachers need the calm, I get it. They’re doing their best with a lot of littles in a small classroom, and I respect that deeply.

But that screen time flips a switch in Henry. He comes home overstimulated, irritable, and it feels like the rest of the day is spent unwinding.

Is it the screen? Is it the emotional hangover from keeping it together all day?

Maybe. Maybe not.

But this is parenting: questioning, adjusting, pivoting when needed – and always, always showing up.

An Update: Conversations That Matter

During the first week I’ve had meaningful conversations with his school leadership, SPED, and teachers – about several topics, the TV being one of them. They listened. They appreciated and recognized my perspective. And they shared theirs. We all left the conversation feeling heard.

Will there be bumps along the way? Absolutely. But in time, it will smooth out.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: it pays to be involved. When I take the time to understand the room dynamics, the teacher expectations, and classroom limitations or processes, I can better support both the teachers and Henry. That’s how I show up – for him, for his class, and for the people guiding him every day.

Parenting isn’t about having all the answers – it’s about staying present, staying curious, and being willing to partner with he people who care for our kids when you’re not in the room.

A Confetti Surprise (coming Week Two of school)

I had big plans for a back-to-school breakfast party. Plates, napkins, fun snacks, after school surprises – the works!

Did any of it happen? Nope. Did I decorate my front entryway like it was a first-day fiesta? Absolutely. Priorities.

But who says the celebration has to happen on the first day – or even the first week? I’ve got a little confetti surprise tucked up my sleeve for week two (or three). Because sometimes the best magic happens when it’s unexpected.

And here at Raised on Confetti, the party doesn’t stop just because the calendar flipped.

So Here’s to You, First Week Warrior

If your week looked like a mix of joy, chaos, takeout dinners, forgotten supplies, screen-time spirals, and big feelings – You’r not alone.

If you cried after drop-off, stood frozen in your own kitchen or questioned how five days felt like fifty – I see you. You made it. With love, laughter, exhaustion, and probably a little confetti stuck to your coffee mug.

And in this wild season of motherhood, that is more than enough.

So let’s keep being Raised on Confetti – meltdowns, magic, and second-week surprises included.

I would love to hear from you and how your first week went, wins, or struggles!