It’s amazing to me that once August rolls around, back-to-school vibes are very much at the top of so many minds and advertising/marketing campaigns. In fact, it starts at the end of July! In years past, it felt a bit much. But this August, I’d wager that many of us are welcoming this familiar hype with the prospect of our kids going back to school after many of them spent nearly a year and a half at home engaged in virtual learning. And if our kiddos are excited, imagine the excitement of their parents (present company included)!

With all the newness we have to look forward to, getting ready and organized for the fall feels extra special this year. School supplies? Bring it! A new fall wardrobe (because you’ve outgrown everything and can’t wear pajamas to school or work) – yes please! New hijabs to refresh your collection and pull your whole look together? Most definitely!

Of course, along with the excitement that is building this month, there also is a lingering worry. While many of us this summer have returned to certain “normal” levels of activity in a move to a post-covid life, the fact remains that the COVID-19 global pandemic is still very much a part of our lives. With the Delta-variant spreading and vaccination rates stalling, it’s still a worrisome time – especially if one has younger kids who are unable to be vaccinated.

How should we manage our anxiety around this? How do we balance the excitement and joy of “back-to-school” season with the worry that comes with it?

On the blog we’ll be exploring these stories this month, including a fall fashion look book and back-to-school hijab looks. Our writer Nargis is asking mothers, what will you do first when your kids go back to school? (Sleep? Pray? Sit in silence? Dance a little dance?) What if you plan on continuing with homeschooling or virtual learning? Our writer Layla, who is a homeschooling veteran, is developing a list of everything you need to do to get your kids and home ready for the new school year.

We will also be speaking with doctors about how to handle covid protocols with your little ones in school (or daycare) this fall, and exploring the anxiety mothers who gave birth during covid may be facing as their worlds open up more.

And, Ashura is coming up in August. We will be crowdsourcing some Shi’a perspectives on what this significant moment in Islamic history means and how it is applicable to modern times.

There’s a lot happening in August as we round out our summer “Color Your World” campaign and gear up for the fall. Our athletics event is currently underway, so be sure to take advantage of that before it’s over! (Get 20 percent off with the code MOVEWITHUS20.)And let’s make sure to keep each other in our prayers. The Islamic New Year is nearly upon us, and I believe that the only way we can continue to move forward into a life where covid is an ongoing reality is with smart decisions, calculated risks, maintaining certain safety protocols, living our lives and most importantly, praying.

Say Bismillah. Always start with Bismillah.

Editorially yours,

Dilshad