Braxton’s Next Big Step: Starting Pre-K 4
Last year, I shared a milestone that was both exciting and emotional for our family: my son Braxton starting Pre-K for the very first time. If you missed that story, you can read it here.
This year, we’ve hit another milestone, Braxton has officially started Pre-K 4. And wow, what a difference a year makes! The growth, changes, and even the challenges we’ve seen over the past year have been eye-opening.
The Growth We’ve Seen
In just one year, Braxton has blossomed in ways we couldn’t have imagined.
Advanced vocabulary: His teachers continue to remark on how well he communicates. We’ve always been intentional about speaking to him in full sentences and encouraging conversation, and it shows. He comes home using new words and phrases daily, and sometimes even surprises us with how articulate he’s become.
Confidence in the classroom: Last year, he was the “new kid” navigating school for the first time. This year, he’s stepped into the role of class leader. He’s more comfortable, more vocal, and even helps his younger classmates when he can.
Love of learning: From storytelling to counting games, Braxton has fully embraced the joy of learning. It’s such a gift to watch his curiosity unfold in real time.
The Nuances of School Life
But with the positives come the realities that every parent experiences when their child spends more time in a school environment.
Picking up habits from peers: While he’s learned a lot of great things from his classmates, there are also moments where he brings home less-than-ideal habits. Whether it’s a new phrase we don’t love or testing boundaries because “other kids do it,” it’s part of the social learning curve.
Behavioral changes: We’ve noticed that with the excitement (and sometimes overstimulation) of school, Braxton comes home more tired, sometimes cranky, and occasionally tests limits more than before. It’s a reminder that school is a big adjustment, even when it’s not his first year.
Balancing structure and freedom: Over the summer, we had a more relaxed routine with plenty of free play. Transitioning back into the structured rhythm of school took a little effort, not just for him, but for all of us as a family.
Transitioning Into Pre-K 4
Starting Pre-K 4 feels different from last year. It’s less about if he can handle school and more about how he’s growing through it. The transition back after summer break was bumpy at times, after months of looser routines, getting up early, following a schedule, and doing “schoolwork” again required patience. But now that he’s settled in, we’re seeing how much he thrives in an environment that challenges him academically and socially.
Reflections as a Parent
This journey has reminded me of something important: parenting through transitions is not just about helping your child adapt, it’s about adjusting ourselves too. The structure of the school year affects the entire household, from how we plan our mornings to how we manage our own work-life balance.
That’s why I created resources like my Time Management E-book and Balancing Act Blueprint for Busy Professionals because whether you’re a working parent or juggling multiple roles, having systems in place makes these seasons of change less overwhelming.
Watching Braxton step into Pre-K 4 has been a mix of pride, joy, and, at times, challenges. He’s not the same little boy who walked into school for the first time last year. He’s more independent, more confident, and yes, a little sassier too.
And that’s the beauty of it. School is shaping him in ways that go beyond academics. It’s helping him grow into who he is and giving us, as parents, a front-row seat to the process.
If your child is starting school this year or moving into a new grade, know that the transition is always layered with highs, lows, and everything in between. Embrace it all, and give yourself (and your child) grace in the process.
Back-to-School Transition Checklist
Helping your child (and yourself) ease into a new school year
✅ Re-establish routines
Set a consistent bedtime/wake-up time at least 1–2 weeks before school starts.
Lay out clothes and pack lunches/snacks the night before to reduce morning stress.
✅ Prepare the environment
Create a designated spot for backpacks, shoes, and school supplies.
Stock up on healthy, easy-to-grab snacks for after school.
✅ Communicate expectations
Talk through the new school routine with your child — what mornings will look like, what happens after school, etc.
Practice transitions like “getting ready to leave the house” to set clear expectations.
✅ Emotional check-ins
Encourage your child to share feelings about school (excitement, nervousness, etc.).
Use bedtime as a moment to connect and reflect on the day.
✅ Balance structure + freedom
Leave space for downtime/play after school — kids need time to decompress.
Resist overscheduling — give your child room to adjust before adding too many activities.
✅ Parent support
Give yourself grace — transitions are just as demanding on parents.
Revisit your own systems for time management (this is where your Balancing Act Blueprint and Time Management E-book can naturally plug in).
Lean on community whether it’s friends, family, or like-minded professionals navigating the same stage.
