Today was the first day of school in my town and I would have forgotten about it entirely if it weren’t for the four school zones I hit between my house and the gym this morning. Each one packed with long lines of parents dropping off excited little faces, sporting their favorite back-to-school outfits.

Pulling up Facebook, I watched as my feed was filled with pictures of cute kids standing in front of homemade signs, smiling for cameras surely held by parents bursting with pride while holding back fountains of tears.

I’m not one of those parents yet, but I will be soon; a fact I am reminded of each and every time those flashing yellow lights remind me to slow down. Yes, slow down . . .

So this is my reminder—my "Note to Self" if you will—for when it is my turn to be the mom in the drop-off line, or holding back tears behind the camera.

Remember, it’s okay to be sad/mad/happy/ecstatic on your child’s first day of school, just as it is on their last. The only real difference between something beginning and something ending is the space in between, and that is where you really make it count.

Remember, take those first-day-of-school photos until your child won’t let you anymore. There is no shame in snapping a photo of their first day, whether it’s pre-pre-K or their last first day of medical school.

Remember, don’t think of this school year as being one less year you have with your child. Think of it as being one more. One more year to watch them grow, watch them learn, watch them play. Never forget about the parents who would do anything to have that same luxury.

Remember, this is the way it’s supposed to be. The only thing worse than your child never growing up is having them always stay the same.

Above all else, remember, Target is open from 8 AM-10 PM, and is immensely more enjoyable kid free.

For more encouraging stories, be sure to follow Kayla on Facebook and on her blog at The Rustic Hideaway.