I got a little emotional while sitting in the car line at my daughter's school drop-off the other morning. And no, it wasn't because another SUV cut me off (that's a different kind of emotion). See, I was having one of those rare relaxed mornings with my kiddos, so I was able to actually sit back and take it all in. What I witnessed was all the loving parents from all walks of my community streaming in by car, bike, and foot with one common goal: getting our precious children to school. And it suddenly occurred to me. Every single weekday morning, parents everywhere are all doing the same exact thing as me; while we might not have the same methods or mannerisms for getting there, in the end we're doing the very best we can for our children. So parents, we see you doing what you do in the early mornings, and here's our salute to each and every one of you.
Source: Shutterstock [1]
To the mom in her pajamas.
Nine times out of 10, we are too. There's no shame in your game mama!
Source: Flickr user Amy Jane Gustafson [2]
To the mom who needs just one more hug.
We know the feeling all too well. The feeling that this is all going way too fast. And that hugs seem to slow things down, if not just for a second.
Source: Flickr user Jim Larrison [3]
To the mom yelling at her child.
We know that after you dropped off your child you instantly felt a sense of relief followed by guilt. We've all been there, so don't beat yourself up about it. Tomorrow is another day!
Source: Flickr user Andrew Bardwell [4]
To the mom waiting until she can see that her child has made it inside before driving away.
We get it, Mom. We get it. Wait as long as you need.
Source: Flickr user Kelly Teague [5]
To the dad biking to school with his child.
You rock. You're making some seriously awesome memories with your child — not to mention doing good for the environment and your body.
Source: Flickr user Richard Masoner [6]
To the mom bringing her friend's kids to school too.
They say it takes a village, and we're happy that you have joined forces to help out and be helped. Not every mama is so willing to lend a hand, and just know that your gestures do not go unnoticed.
Source: Flickr user Eden, Janine and Jim [7]
To the dad who always gets his kids to school early.
How on earth do you do it? Please teach me your ways!
Source: Flickr user Jim Larrison [8]
To the gay parent.
You're just doing what parents do, but you do it despite being faced with a different kind of judgment far beyond what kind of car you have or what you are wearing. We can see that in this moment, all you really care about is getting your child safely to school, just like the rest of us — we happily stand behind all good parents, so keep doing what you do!
Source: Flickr user Jim Larrison [9]
To the mom who looks frazzled.
Don't worry: we've all had those insanely crazy mornings [10]. No judgment here — keep on keeping on!
Source: Flickr user hermetic hermit [11]
To the parent heading straight for work.
We love that not only is your child dressed and ready for the day but so are you — and that you're about to completely switch gears from home life to work life. It's no easy task, but from the outside looking in, you seem to have it all figured out.
Source: Shutterstock [12]
To the mom who also has younger children who are not in school yet.
You've got a long day ahead, we can see that. We know that you're stretched thin, but you're probably still heading to a playground for an hour, then to the grocery store, and then home to kill time before pickup. You can do this, mama!
Source: Flickr user Ryan Dickey [13]
To the dad rocking out to music with his child in the car line.
It doesn't seem like you are letting the annoyance of the car line get to you. Rather, you're just enjoying the time before you see your child off to school. The world could use a few more parents like you!
Source: Flickr user scott anderson [14]
To the single parent.
It's hard enough doing this as a team, but you're doing it on your own, and we're amazed by you. We see you day in and day out, except you seem way more together than we are — you got this!
Source: Flickr user scott anderson [15]
To the mom whose child does not want to go to school.
We see you trying to comfort your child, because this moment can rip at your heartstrings. We know that one of the hardest things is when your child is sad about going to school and your mind is probably racing over all the potential reasons why. Stay strong, mommy — you'll both get through this.
Source: Flickr user Lance Neilson [16]
To the mom waiting by herself in her car while her child walks himself to school.
We see that your kiddo has decided that he doesn't want to walk with his mommy anymore. We know that it totally broke your heart, but we commend you for respecting his request by simply waiting your car until he makes his way to school. All by himself. Don't worry if the tears come from time to time; it happens to us, too.
Source: Flickr user Dennis Brekke [17]