Back to School: A Mama’s Emotional Rollercoaster

As summer winds down and back-to-school season kicks in, we mamas are often hit with a mix of emotions. On one hand, there’s a sense of relief—let’s be honest, by the end of summer, the kids are bouncing off the walls, and we’re all just a little bit ready for the routine to start again. But on the other hand, there’s that unexpected wave of emotion that catches us off guard, reminding us how quickly time is passing and how our little ones are growing up.

This week was especially tough for me. My youngest, who has been a handful from the start (thanks, pandemic baby!), started preschool. He’s my little shadow, always by my side, and has given us a run for our money every single day. So, I thought I’d be ready for this—for him to have his own routine, for me to have a bit of space. But when it came time to drop him off, he clung to me like never before. I finally managed to sneak out, but as soon as I did, the tears came—full-on ugly crying. Suddenly, the reality hit me: all my kids are now in some sort of school. How did we get here so fast?

After composing myself (and cleaning up the tears), I grabbed a much-needed cup of coffee in my “Life is tough, but so are you” mug. As I sipped from that mug, it hit me that maybe one of you is going through something similar today. Maybe you needed to hear that you’re not alone in this motherhood journey—that we’re all in this together, and together, we are so much stronger.

This moment also reminded me of why I wanted to keep Made For Mama Shop going. When I was just a customer, these hand-lettered mugs brought me so much comfort, even on the toughest mornings. Those little moments with a warm cup in hand gave me a chance to just breathe and reset, even if only for a second. That’s what I want for all of you too—to find that bit of joy, that moment of peace in the middle of the chaos that is motherhood.

Made For Mama Shop exists for these moments. It’s more than just a shop—it’s a community, a tribe of moms who get it, who are here for each other through all the highs and lows. Whether it's our uplifting coffee mugs, hand stamped vintage spoons, or devotionals made especially for busy moms, everything in our shop is chosen with moms in mind, to help you feel a little bit brighter on those tough days.

I’d love to hear your stories—how our products have made a difference in your life or the lives of those around you. Please feel free to share in the comments or drop me a message. Your stories mean the world to me, and they’re what keep this beautiful community growing.

Here’s to all the mamas out there navigating the back-to-school rollercoaster—you’re doing amazing, and remember, you’re never alone. 💛

XOXO

-Ashley