Hey kiddo!

It’s almost that time again… the backpacks are packed (or still in their shopping bags), the pencils are sharpened (or is everything on iPads these days?), and the nerves are buzzing just a little (okay, probably a lot). Whether you’re heading into kindergarten, middle school, or your final year of high school, this letter is for you.

Going back to school brings on a ton of mixed feelings. You might be excited to see your friends again, nervous about a new teacher, curious about what you’ll learn, or perhaps just a little sad that summer is ending. All of those feelings are completely normal. Every kid, whether they show it or not, feels a jumble of things during this time of year.

So here’s what I want you to remember: You’ve got this.

Seriously. You’ve done hard things before. You’ve learned new subjects, made new friends, tried out for teams, solved problems, and grown in ways you probably don’t even realize. This school year, you’ll keep doing just that. And when you hit a bump in the road (and you will, because everyone does), it doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you’re learning.

If you ever start to feel overwhelmed, take a deep breath. Talk to someone you trust. Give yourself permission to take it one step at a time. And if you forget your lunch, or your homework, or what room your science class is in, that’s okay. Really. Grown-ups forget stuff all the time, too.

You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to try your best. Be kind. Ask questions. Laugh when you can. Help others when they need it. And never forget that being yourself is more than enough.

Here’s to new beginnings, big dreams, and the courage to keep showing up. You’ve got what it takes.

Sincerely,

Nola Family Magazine

This article was originally published in August 2025.