08/14/2026
My oldest is starting school this year (cue the tears🥹). I will be certainly going through the motions! Any tips and tricks are welcome!! 🤍
GODSPEED!
1️⃣ The annual Costco run — because apparently one pack of pencils is never enough.
2️⃣Buying school supplies at the last possible minute — even though the list came out in June.
3️⃣The “let’s just go for one thing” trip to Staples… $147 later. 🫠
4️⃣The first-day-of-school photo — same spot, same pose, completely different kid. 🥹
5️⃣The weather panic.
“Do they need a hoodie?”
“Is it still summer?”
“Why is it 12°C?!”
6️⃣The lunchbox negotiation.
“What do you actually want?”
“I don’t know.”
“You chose it yesterday.”
“I don’t like it anymore.”
7️⃣The Ottawa traffic reality check 🚗
School drop-off + construction + Bank Street = character building.
8️⃣The first pumpkin spice sighting ☕🍂
Because in Ottawa, back-to-school basically means fall is coming.
9️⃣The neighbourhood playground reunion — suddenly everyone knows who goes to which school.
🔟Promising this year will be more organized.
Labelled everything. Packed lunches the night before. Out the door on time.
…until September 12. 😂
Ottawa parents, what did I miss? 👇
