A Mama’s Take on Back-to-School

Criss-Crossed and Teary-Eyed: A Mama’s Take on Back-to-School

When I was little, the night before my first day of pre-K, my mom knelt down next to me and taught me how to sit criss-cross applesauce—in a dress—without flashing the whole room. She showed me how to cross my ankles while standing, then gently fold myself down to the floor like a tiny lady. I didn’t know it then, but that moment was about so much more than sitting properly.

It was her way of preparing me. Not just for preschool, but for the world.

My mom always did everything she could to make the first day of school feel exciting. Our outfits were always perfect, our hair just right, our backpacks packed with care. I thought she was just really into school spirit,

but now that I’m a mom myself, I see it differently.

She was nervous. She was scared. And she was doing what we all do—putting on a brave, cheerful face so her babies wouldn’t feel her worry. I get

that now.

My own little ones are still at home (they’re 4 and 1), and the idea of sending them off—even just for a few hours—feels impossible. The idea of not being there to hold their hand, or tie their shoes, or remind them to eat their sandwich? It guts me. And maybe that’s naïve, maybe that will change with time. But for now, I understand my mom in a way I never did before.

She prepared us with love and little details. Like a custom shirt she passed down from sister to sister—it had velcro on the front and came with a baggie of letters and words to stick on for each school milestone. First day of school? Boom. Custom shirt. 100th day of school? Velcro’d. Picture day? You get it. She couldn’t hop on Etsy back then, but she made magic anyway.

Now? Custom shirts are just a click away. (In fact, they’re in my shop—because of course I had to carry on the tradition. 😉)

Every design I make has a little bit of that criss-cross moment tucked inside. A little prep, a little love, and a whole lot of “you’ve got this.”

Back-to-school season brings a rush of emotions—pride, excitement, worry, and if we’re honest, a few tears. But there’s also beauty in the reset. In fresh starts. In a sharp new pencil and a shirt that says, “I’m ready.”

So whether your kiddo is headed off to their first day of kindergarten or you're a teacher prepping your classroom like it’s game day—I've got something for you in the shop that’ll help you mark the moment.

Because sometimes the smallest things—a new shirt, a special tote, a sweet mug—can carry the biggest comfort. And behind every item I create is a mama heart that gets it.

Here’s to the moms preparing in big and small ways.
Here’s to the kids crossing their ankles and stepping bravely into something new.
Here's to the teachers making it all happen.

And here’s to making memories—one custom shirt at a time.

Check Out our Etsy shop for 25% off Back to School items! (Limited Time)