Ariela Basson/Scary Mommy; Getty Images, Shutterstock, Flickr/GW/Chad Gierlich, Ebay/meatball_findz1/fishingjim8811, Mr. Sketch

Summer is (shockingly) nearly over, so it’s time to focus on getting back to the daily grind of packing lunches, school drop off and homework. But how do you prepare your kid, and yourself, for the year ahead? This Back To School Issue celebrates everything from the special hell that is the school drop-off line to preparing your kid for getting their period at school — with lots of fun stuff in between. Good luck out there! xx Scary Mommy

Ariela Basson/Scary Mommy; Getty Images
The 411
By Vanessa Kroll Bennett

How To Prepare Your Kid To Get Their Period At School

There’s the what of the period and the how of the period. Here’s how you can talk to your kid ahead of time.

no no no

The Drop-Off Line Is The Absolute Worst Part Of School

It is an absolute circus and I’m not ready for it again.

We Asked An Expert

What Will The Kindergarteners Of Today Name Their Kids?

An investigation into the weird ways baby names change over time.

Yummy?

School Lunch Can Be Delicious. Just Look To These Countries.

Fair warning: The following examples will give you FOMO on behalf of your kid.

summertime bliss

Back-To-School Doesn't Have To Be Like This

This summer, I am opting out of the frenetic preparations that steal our lazy summer days.

What’s Your Back To School Mantra?

Read More

reading is fun-damental
By Katie Garrity

Kids Who Read For Fun Grow Into Better-Adjusted Teens, Study Suggests

Their brains are bigger, too.

coming of age
By Katie Garrity

Jennifer Lawrence Admits She Was Both A Bully And Bullied In School

She also named-dropped her bully.

legendary pettiness
By Sarah Aswell

A Mom Sent Her Kid’s School Counselor The Most Spiteful End-Of-School Gift

The internet is rallying around a mom’s stunning act of passive aggression against the “orange lady.”

not my baby!
By Katie Garrity

A School Counselor Reveals Why Your 3rd Grader Might Change Overnight

It all has to do with science.

gotcha
By Katie Garrity

High School Seniors Pull The Ultimate Prank On Their Principal & Spend The Night At Her House

"I was in shock. They were in every possible corner like sardines."

tears
By Samm Davidson

Elementary School Graduation Is A Milestone I Might Not Survive

We’re so far beyond simple bake sales these days.

Peace and Quiet
By Ashley Schuster Downend

My Kids Are In Elementary School & I Never Gave Up Naptime

It’s the best gift I ever gave myself. Here’s how I did it.

The Dr. Is In
By Deirdre Kaye

6 Questions To Ask When Your Kid Gets In Trouble At School, According To A Child Psychologist

Every parent faces this situation at some point.

9 to 5
By Alexandra Frost

It's Fine To Skip That School Event In The Middle Of The Workday

The truth is I don’t want to miss work for a classroom party.

give it to me straight
By Katie Garrity

A Teacher Reveals The “Secret Code” Educators Use To Talk To The Parents Of Difficult Kids

A TikToker reveals some educators sugarcoat how your kid actually behaves in class.