Why I Do Next School Year’s Shopping Before Summer Begins
School has barely been out for five minutes.
The backpacks are still sitting by the door. The final report card hasn’t even found its permanent home in the keepsake box. Summer camps are just getting started.
And somehow…
I’m already ready for next school year.
School supplies? Ordered and labeled.
Uniforms? Purchased.
Backpack and Lunch box? Monogrammed and ready.
School calendar? Already synced to my phone.
If you’re reading this while floating in a pool wondering why anyone would be thinking about school in June, I get it. Trust me, I wish I was that mom.
But after years of balancing work, motherhood, extracurricular activities, volunteer commitments, and graduate school, I’ve learned one important lesson: Future Me deserves all the help she can get.
The Chaos Is Coming
Every August, it happens.
Stores are packed.
The exact notebook your child needs is sold out.
The shoe size you’ve been looking for disappears overnight.
Everyone is stressed, schedules are changing, and somehow every family in America needs the same package of crayons at the exact same time.
I’ve lived that life.
I’ve driven to three stores looking for one specific glue stick.
I’ve ordered things online only to discover they won’t arrive before school starts.
I’ve stayed up until midnight labeling supplies because I waited until the last minute.
And honestly? I don’t want to do that anymore.
June Me Is Much More Pleasant Than August Me
June Me has time.
June Me is organized.
June Me is optimistic.
August Me is trying to figure out school drop-off logistics, dance schedules, work meetings, tumbling classes, volunteer commitments, and how summer somehow disappeared in the blink of an eye.
June Me makes decisions.
August Me survives.
So whenever possible, I let June Me handle things.
Preparation Is Self-Care
Some people relax by reading a book on the beach.
Some people enjoy binge-watching a new show.
Apparently, I enjoy checking things off lists.
There is something incredibly satisfying about knowing that when the school supplies arrives, it’s already done.
It’s one less thing occupying space in my brain.
As moms, we carry so many invisible responsibilities. Every task we can complete ahead of time creates a little more breathing room later.
It Doesn’t Mean I’m Rushing Summer
This is the question I get the most.
“Why are you already thinking about school? Enjoy summer!”
The thing is, being prepared actually helps me enjoy summer more.
Because the school-year stress isn’t hanging over my head.
I’m not spending family vacation wondering if I ordered uniforms.
I’m not mentally calculating how many weekends are left before school starts.
I can be present because I know the future details are already handled.
Maybe It’s a Mom Superpower
At some point, moms develop the ability to think three seasons ahead.
We’re planning Halloween costumes while buying swimsuits.
We’re thinking about Christmas gifts while packing for fall break.
And apparently, we’re preparing for school while summer has just begun.
It may seem excessive.
It may seem unnecessary.
But when August arrives and I’m not fighting crowds for a pack of glue sticks, I’ll be grateful.
For now, I’ll happily embrace being “that mom” who is already ready for the next school year.
And then I’ll grab a snowball, head to the pool, and enjoy summer anyway.
