Back to School Blues—But Not the Kind You're Thinking Of
Let’s talk about the back-to-school blues.
Now I’m not talking about the teacher kind (trust me, we’ve all had those moments of staring at the ceiling wondering where summer went). I’m talking about our kids—the ones walking back through our classroom doors carrying more than just their backpacks.
For some of our spicy nuggets, the return to school is actually a relief. It’s their safe space. A consistent routine. A familiar smile. But for others, this time of year stirs up anxiety and dread. And not just because of early mornings and math class.
It’s the questions.
You know the ones:
“Did you have a good summer?”
“What did you do over the summer?”
“How was your vacation?”
We ask with the best intentions. We’re trying to get to know our students, make connections, break the ice. But for some of our kids, these questions hit a nerve. Because the truth is, not every child had a summer worth talking about.
Some spent every day inside an apartment—no camp, no pool, no vacation, no friends.
Some didn’t have food every day.
Some didn’t have a stable home at all.
Some became full-time caregivers—watching younger siblings, nieces, nephews, or even their own parents.
And when those students come back into our classrooms, they’re not just nervous about a new grade—they’re navigating loss, survival, fear, and uncertainty.
Some are grieving the goodbye to a teacher they loved and trusted.
Some are bracing for another year like the last, one that felt lonely or hard.
Some are walking into a brand-new building, knowing no one.
So as we prepare for the first days of school, let’s do this together:
Lead with grace.
Greet them with care.
Offer space for former teacher visits and familiar faces.
Honor the relationships they’ve already built.
And when it comes to getting to know them, try trading the usual summer chatter for more mindful, open-ended questions—ones that give them choice, control, and connection:
“What’s something you learned about yourself this summer?”
“What’s something you’re looking forward to this year?”
“What’s something that made you smile recently?”
“What’s something you want me to know about you as we start this year?”
Because at the end of the day, our goal is the same: help every student feel seen, safe, and supported—starting on day one.