Back to School: Then vs Now

[@causticchameleon7861]

When my oldest went off to college, I remember taking him down there for orientation. I couldn’t stay because we were having to do something (I can’t remember now). As I drove off, I looked in my rear view mirror and saw him waving and it was like he was this 5 year old child again. My baby, my first born dropped off in a big city all alone. I had promised myself I would not cry. That last all of the 5 minute trip off campus and I cried the whole hour drive home. Then I sat in the driveway crying another two hours. But, after a few months, I stopped calling every other day and he came home about every 2 weeks to do laundry and eat everything in the house. He was not allowed to have a car on campus so I would go pick him up on Fridays and take him back on Sundays. We had the most amazing conversations on those trips.

[@gaellegoutain1286]

That's so sweet! It made me tear up.

[@tom2point0]

@@gaellegoutain1286 me too. I dread those days to come

[@user-es9mb8wi3m]

Car rides are the best times with children. The memories for them are powerful, too. My twenty something son actually took a vacation day from work so we could hang out. I asked where he wanted to go and he said, “Let’s just drive around and talk like the good old days, Mom.” We drove and talked fun, serious, smack, and deep for six hours. Wants to do it again sometime. Happy tears.

[@lauraarldt8139]

I remember those trips with my mom - I went to college two hrs away and when I'd go home she'd have to come get me on Fridays, then usually my dad would take me back Sundays. By my senior year I wasn't going home as much. College was 30+ years ago now, but I still remember those drives and conversations. 💜

[@causticchameleon7861]

@@tom2point0 Try not to dread them coming. Those days will become cherished memories when, like my two kids, they are grown, married and have kids of their own. Make the most of those days as the memories will last a lifetime for you and them.

[@GenXandProud]

I have 2 seniors this year. I can't wait for your videos about college visits, FAFSA applications, essay writing, and the overall madness of their last year of high school!

[@aislynnwing4003]

Recent empty nester. Its a hump to get over, BUT self sufficient kids/young adults means you nailed your job as mom and dad. 😉 Remember how much fun that age was?! It's their turn! Be happy for them! And they'll DEFINITELY come to you for help or when they get lonely. Good job Mom and Dad!

[@holdernessfamilylaughs]

Thanks for your encouragement!

[@zaynamoore]

You beat me to it, that's exactly what I was going to say. I'm going on year 4 as an empty nester and though I love this new phase of life, sometimes I just miss the mess, the chaos and the noise of a house full.

[@stephw6046]

My thoughts exactly! 😁

[@hellokitty3381]

Great video!! I wish I had parents like you when I was growing up. I think my husband and I learned from our parents mistakes, and tried to always listen and have empathy as we helped guide our son along the way. Once our son went to college, he seemed to realize he could make his own decisions as to what he wanted to pursue for his future and when necessary, he didn't hesitate to ask our advice. Lots of prayers and tears were involved along the way and so far it's been a great ride.😉😊

[@golfnz34me]

I think I failed as a parent, because my 17 y/o daughter doesn't even remotely seem capable of living on her own.

[@karentiger8812]

I love the "honey, our kids are smarter than us now" 😂 My girls are only 6 and 7 but this summer has been the first one where they are somewhat self sufficient and we have a fenced in yard. It feels weird but it has made summer so much less stressful and more manageable with less fighting.

[@juliannehannes11]

Start doing crafting with them now, take up beading together, there are very easy and fun tutorials on tiktok, its great for bonding and also encourages their self expression and creativity, soak in those wonderful 2nd and 3rd grade years, they are a ball at that age because they still look up to you and aren't yet over obsessed with their peers opinions saying "cringe" at every thing you do. Do everything fun now before the 5th grade angst emerges.

[@juliannehannes11]

Also now is the perfect time to show them your favorite movies(that aged well)

[@darlouthia5153]

This is such a parenting milestone. A bittersweet yet so important one 😉

[@yrusinging]

Oh man. My baby just started kindergarten...and my oldest is a senior. I really felt this video! Lol

[@logicandlaughs]

My kids are almost the same age as yours so this video definitely hit. I bawled after I dropped my kids off this year. It was worse than when they were kindergartners. I just see it all going to so fast now and It's way harder than I thought it would be. Hugs to you all.

[@holdernessfamilylaughs]

Everyone tells you to expect crying for kindergarten but no one tells you to expect it for 10th grade too! 🥺

[@logicandlaughs]

@@holdernessfamilylaughs So true!! They used to have the Sip and Sob for after Kinder drop off... think they should renew that for high school... maybe with something a bit stronger to sip on. :)

[@timgraymatter]

@@holdernessfamilylaughs college too! We have 2 in college. My wife and I were crying. The kids wonder what’s wrong with us!

[@SfromWisconsin]

With my oldest now going to high school this year, I am totally feeling this. I know the next 4 years will go by very quickly!

[@andreaherschberger8723]

I am right there with you! I think our kids are the same age, so all of this was spot on! Thanks for another great (relatable) video!

[@angiedowdle1579]

Can't lie, I got a little teary at the end...Sophomore and Senior here so everything this year will be the 'last' time for the Senior 😢 Love your videos 😀

[@ashleyshort1292]

No they’re 7th grade and sophomore she was saying next thing you know she will be a senior

[@happytexanbychoice2920]

I have a sophomore and senior, it's going too fast for me! They are excited to be close to graduating :)

[@bethlori5545]

Me too

[@bethlori5545]

@@ashleyshort1292 She was talking about her own kids.

[@trebmaster]

OK, Penn seriously SLAPS with old school covers. Dude should call Weird Al and do a collab. @Weird Al Yankovic

[@nicolewalton1771]

Motion seconded!

[@AB-mx1de]

Yes that collab would be AMAZING

[@adaynasmile]

I think the pandemic had a huge impact on most families and how they feel about sending their kids to school. Maybe not all families but many.

[@fayhinkson6676]

My son matured so much in that time. He was still playing on park modules then suddenly he was this big kid going to high school.

[@jenny_rice]

This kind of year for you was my every year. I loved my kids being home and being a stay at home mom. Now they are both in college. One is still home (she left for a semester, and we visited her every weekend but she prefers to be home). The other is an hour away but got to be home this summer and I'm loving it!

[@carynplatt9790]

Me too! I miss my boy every year! 😢

[@heathertowe6280]

Yes! Love this. My son will be 16 soon and I miss him when he's not around, but when he was younger, I was definitely excited for school to start back.

[@UWL_Thomas]

I love watching your videos Kim and Penn! I enjoyed seeing you guys on the Amazing Race and watching recap videos! Keep up the great work!

[@theholdernessfamily]

Thanks for watching 🙂

[@mazzy2121]

Amazing Race was amazing because of them!! I have watched the show but hadn't in years. I watched every episode that season as soon as it posted (no cable, streamer). I was so excited at the finale.

[@andrealmoseley6575]

Just dropped my youngest at college. So quiet in the house. Peaceful. Too much. Husband is celebrating and I'm bawling!

[@hdyu5419]

I needed this. My little one is going to kindergarten and I have all the feels.

[@hellokitty3381]

Great Video😂😂👍👍 I wish I had parents like you when I was growing up. I think my husband and I learned from our parents mistakes and we tried extra hard to listen and have empathy as we guided our son along the way. Once our son went to college he seemed to realize he could make his own decisions and when necessary, he didn't hesitate to ask our advice. Lots of prayers and tears were involved along the way. So far it' s been a great ride.😊

[@oliviabarker9733]

I love how they revisited their old parodies!! ❤❤❤

[@jordansweet8054]

Man, you guys have done so many great videos over the years. Your Its Gonna be May videos helped me through a rough stretch especially. Love you guys!

[@myhappygecko2895]

honestly can't wait for your college videos. Those will be funny, college search, college tours, acceptance letter, being waitlisted, DORMS.. shopping for stuff for dorms.. these kids get ICE MAKERS and mini fridges in their dorms its crazy. The girls get these like mini headboards the rooms are so nice. I got a mattress on cement blocks, thats what I got.

[@MomtoaFullHouse]

My youngest just started high school after homeschooling for 8 years. I MISS HER!

[@danilincks5809]

Just dropped off both my kids in college a few days ago. Not enough Kleenex in the world on the 8-hour drive back, but at the same time I’m so proud of them for beginning their independent lives. It’s such a conflicting feeling.

[@lovers_111]

Y’all are amazing and make my day. Keep spreading those contagious smiles!

[@catboxcleaner3532]

Y’all so cute. Penn’s hair looks fabulous. My baby already flew the coop (it doesn’t get easier, it gets lonelier), so I am vicariously living through you.

[@33snowgal]

Four boys under 10 I’ve been home with them all summer….. I’m feeling the ‘then’ and dreaming of your ‘now’ 🤣

[@nedaward3032]

Oh my!!! I totally feel ya!! My youngest of five is the only one left in the next and he’s a senior!! It’s a blessing and a curse to know you’ve helped raise such kids but it’s so hard to let them go! Not looking forward to next summer when he’s of town college too! 💕

[@holdernessfamilylaughs]

I hope he has a great year!

[@karenhardie1132]

That was really funny. Very true and well done.

[@pnhnut]

To all the empty nesters out there... I got one word for you - Foster! We were so heartbroken, that finally afteer a couple of years of looking at each other bored to death we opened our home to foster kids and never looked back. However, I will warn you that it can lead to a whole new page in life through adoption! Yup, at 50 we became parents again - best thing ever!

[@amplify_voices]

Oh my gosh...we are already back to school here in AZ and I laughed a little too hard and cried during this. SO spot on! I have a sophomore, 8th grader and 5th grader and my HEART!!! Gah! Not ready! Thanks for this - even though it is from 11 months ago - timely for me. I saw myself in all of it!

[@sarah-phillips]

I have a sophomore, too, and I'm absolutely feeling this.

[@bjust92]

My COLLEGE SENIOR had to ask me to stop texting him today. He’s sick and I could not stop worrying about him. So crazy. The boy is 21 years old!!! So this really hit home for me!!!!

[@llamasugar5478]

I remember getting ready to go to college in another state. Mom looked pretty dejected, so I asked what she was thinking. “Just when you were getting fun to hang out with, you’re leaving!” 🥹

[@RedBarnTheaterCamp]

Ohhhh my heart. So. Much. Truth. Love your videos Kim and Penn! You are geniuses'!

[@plusultra219]

You guys, this is some of both of your best work! The acting fine but not really being okay… and the perfectly redone lyrics being rocked out. Love it!

[@michellem9444]

YES!!!! When my son was in elementary school, he needed help with everything. Now this year, he's a sophomore in high school and he needs nothing, nor does he WANT me to do anything for him. I mean, it's great that he's so independent and almost ready for life on his own, but it's a bittersweet feeling knowing that you're not needed anymore (or at least, not much). They still love us, but I'm already starting to feel a little "empty nest" syndrome, and I thought I had a couple of years left before that!

[@mountaingalatheart]

I blinked and now mine are adults living their own lives, I really enjoy your videos!

[@holdernessfamilylaughs]

Why does it go so fast?

[@thetoysofchildhood]

This is actually heart-wrenching 😢💕

[@fayhinkson6676]

So love this video. My son's in Grade 7 now too and it can so relate to this. I used to take the first few days off when he was in primary school but I don't need to anymore. But I'm so happy to see how he's growing and becoming so independent.

[@lorigreiner3450]

My youngest is a senior this year We ( the other moms) have already told the boys just get use to at least one of us with a camera at all events! So far they have been good sports about it!

[@hemaccabe4292]

So true in our lives too. Hang in there.

[@kerriemills1310]

So understanding of this, the last day of your small school times are done and on to 7th grade level off they go… was good. Thank You for this, beautiful.

[@thetaxladies5615]

You guys just make my day! I love your comments at the end. SOOO TRUE!!!

[@MiriamMillen]

Have you been spying on me? I'm looking for the cameras in my house now. 🤣🤣🤣

[@madiantin]

I love that you have those old videos when the kids were so young! My youngest is a senior this year. I have to tell you, I am SO EXCITED TO BE ALMOST FREAKING DONE WITH SCHOOL! We are all SO READY to be done. We ALL have senioritis reeeeeeeaaaallly badly. So anyway. Yeah. Slightly different emotions to the ones displayed in your video. =D.

[@mattiegreathouse1049]

Oh my gosh, we are SAAAAAAAAAAME... All the feels with the high schooler. 💖 Thanks for making me feel normal!

[@leighverble9265]

I so feel this! My daughter is 13 and went back to in person school after 2 years of virtual school. I was so sad! I miss her so much and am so excited at the end of the day to get to see her again.

[@tarahendry8903]

That one made me cry. These kids, they grow up so fast!

[@naymeequillo]

THE BIG BUSSES WHOOH YEAH BABY GOT CLASS!!! You are the coolest parents.

[@carolcoker3505]

I try to bribe them occasionally with a coffee run or fast food run, just to have time together (7th and 11th grade).

[@holdernessfamilylaughs]

Smart!

[@lishaguminey9522]

Why

[@amiablehacker]

@@lishaguminey9522 they said why...to spend time together!

[@lishaguminey9522]

@@amiablehacker don't you know how important quartanine is

[@jkemper4741]

My daughter was accepted to a college in Germany today! Ima just go cry in the corner w Kim!

[@jtcoffee6225]

I got used to her being home because of the pandemic and now I still work from home several days a week and she has gone back to school, and I miss her. I wish she was just home schooling. She loves being with her friends and socializing but this video really hits home.

[@kdiva8343]

I feel ya! My oldest is starting High School and my youngest is starting Kindergarten. This is the first time all my kids will be in school which is amazing! However, I hate how fast it's all going. Because once they enter school time flies!

[@JBonkerz96]

OMG I love this so much! My kids are still really little (5 and 2) so only the older one goes to school. She is very busy and very messy and always needs someone to play with her. I can't wait until she goes back to school (in Canada we start after labor day) but I know there will come a day when I will miss her even though she still lives here. lol

[@abigailthompson4456]

I feel you, Kim!

[@marysimino1726]

Okay this was just EPIC!! The music creativity... Acting.. Physical stunts.. Triple threat.

[@PlatypusAurelius]

One of the pleasures of having your kids grow up is that they become great adults and are fun to be around. We hang out with our adult and near adult children all the time. We are lucky.

[@ashleymckinney2002]

Come on, you got me all teary on the first day of school. I'm in your past, counting down the days until the first day. Thanks for the reminder to try to savor these fleeting moments, even though in the moment we wish they would fleet more.

[@BrandonEllis777]

Thank you so much for the great video love it!!😁😁😁🤗🤗🤗

[@ryanworkman3032]

You're getting to that point: where you no longer HAVE to be their parent, but GET to be their friend.

[@Mama_Bear524]

Well now I’m crying 😢. I love this.

[@SRose-vp6ew]

You parent the most when your kids are in their 20's, you just don't have any control over them anymore and can't try to take control. You parent as a friend. You become an ear, a person of prayers, and become a voice of mercy, encouragement, and the one offering up grounding advice that they may or may not take. But you also get to hang out, and learn from them too.

[@darcistephenson5359]

@@SRose-vp6ew yes, exactly! My " kid" is 24, and a lot of my coworkers are similar age. They always seem confused that someone as ancient as me understands the latest trends and topics. It's because my son and I are so close that I'm able to do that

[@expatfamilylive9041]

Happy back to school, fam! Our kids are small and we are still at the moment when we are happy to have those several hours a day in a quiet house Hugs from the Netherlands 🌷💙💚

[@rayselby3487]

Sue here! Love 💕 you guys !!! You nailed it, as always.

[@ecerda4798]

LMAO!! 4:26 PENN CHARLES BEING NICE BUT AT THE SAME TIME ANGRY AT BIG SIS.

[@jeniececollazo7033]

I love it Penn and Family you are all so talented.

[@raea3588]

Aww ❤ Can I hug you? Good parents! Love you, Holderness family. I'm not technically a kid anymore but I'll be yours too... Happy, fun and safe back to school 🏫

[@andreaw.2821]

I feel the same way!! She’s become such a companion to me 🥹🥹🥹🥹

[@angelinaaguilar7703]

That was so great 😂😂😂. Great job!

[@harryrimmer6830]

Don't worry, it only gets worse. The home place is still in Pennsylvania, but Eldest Daughter is in Houston, Texas, and the Youngest is in Denver, Colorado. We actually got to see them for five days two weeks ago. The first time we've see them since Christmas pre-Covid.

[@ashleypenn7845]

[laugh-cries in homeschool mom] I might get more time with them before they up and leave... but that also means it'll be *that much quieter* when they up and leave.

[@siblingstation6902]

Love your videos! They are so funny!

[@holdernessfamilylaughs]

Thank you 😀

[@shannonp7942]

Timely. College move in this weekend.

[@holdernessfamilylaughs]

♥♥♥

[@stephw6046]

I have a 20 year old who already graduated and a 7th grader this year! Super excited for kid #2's year to start. They are, too!

[@belindahugheslifestyle]

Great video, #TeamHolderness. Love your creations! I'm childless, and with my mom being a teacher, and dad being a professor, they never had the first day of school experience like this. For the longest time, I wondered what people were referring to. My friends' parents all just went to work. But I remember when one of my author friends had trouble leaving her son's dorm room when they moved him onto campus. Like you guys, she and her hubs have a great relationship, so he and their son were both trying to be patient and nice with her, but it was like, "Time to go now, Mom. Let him spread his wings." Thanks for the video.

[@pattipienkowski4834]

Y’all brought back memories as we are driving the youngest to his first year of college. Sniff sniff….

[@deek6115]

❤ all of this! 😊So on point!

[@rjscrimo2627]

I'm already there and my kiddo is only in 3rd grade! I love hanging out with her and miss her every day!

[@marshaburrows8714]

Yes. I feel is way too. My oldest graduates this year.

[@heidicoker8460]

I totally get it! We have one kid, he got his first job over the summer and so there were a lot of nights it was just my husband and I. We'd do the same things we typically did at night (watch TV/read) but the house would just feel different without the kid. He got his license right before school started. But I'm telling you it's an amazing feeling when I can sleep in on my day off because he can drive himself to school and my husband is at work...not gonna lie loved having the house to myself for a day! We'll see if my attitude changes in another month. Embrace the change. It means you're being a good parent and your kids are independent! Go Kim and Pen!!

[@duanecrichlow8791]

That was really funny, especially the father doing the worm. 😂😂😂😂

[@llwil2003]

Love watching your kids growing up.

[@aprilchronister9980]

I remember our 1st in Sr yr, and 2nd was a Freshman .... one yr with both at one school (besides elementary yrs) - thinking, "Oh wow, I have a child who is a Sr?? They all look like mini adults, with beards even, some of them!! Mom overwhelm of emo's! Now, Daughter has been married a few yrs and (this moment) expecting 2nd baby- its mom overwhelm of emo's again! Iam still adjusting to being gramma 1st time (he is 1, next wk), but will have 2 grandkiddos? Mind blowing. But Iam so blessed with my 2 kids in their 20's. Now they are whats keeping me sane and focused, these first 14 months of adjusting to being a widow. Our family has been through alot, but we've been there for each other. Each phase of our kids growing up was special; good times and chaotic times❤️Loved this vid! 🙂

[@lorination2194]

Awww🥰 You all are so awedome! ❤️ This is perfect timing as we are flying to New York this week to drop off our only child for freshman year if COLLEGE and the reality is hitting HARD.😱

[@terraridenhour5288]

My daughter is the same age as your daughter I definitely know and feel how you are feeling.

[@rebeccameinzer8551]

My son is a Senior this year. I almost cried watching this.

[@janaeku8984]

Yep 👍🏻 Current phase for me too!

[@emerald2700]

I remember at a certain age, maybe around 4th or 5th grade my mom had me pack my lunch. So I did that until I graduated high school.

[@DS-re4vs]

First day of the twins kindergarten, I came home and got in the fetal position and bawled my eyes out. After that it was “Okseeyalaterbyeeee” THEN middle school hit and I’m not needed as much so I’m definitely feeling the “Now” mom ! (God bless our teachers because during the online portion school during covid I could barely help them with division because “that’s not how we learned that” ugh)

[@MB-wf8si]

Aww! Oldest left for school today and he is 14 years old. Little one is 6 tomorrow. I feel like I'm yoyoing between the 2 extremes! Big kid just does his thing by himself, no need for me! Little one I have to admit my shame that I'm so happy and relieved she's in school!

[@AFRSteve]

Love these videos and with our oldest in middle school now, this got all the feels. Was hoping for at least a cameo of “Crimped-Hair Kim”, maybe next year.

[@smd0061]

The way she said "pencil pouch" was so cute!!

[@112musician]

I think I'm there because I'm sobbing over this video. You nailed it! I have a Sophomore and Junior this year. 😭

[@egrace67]

Oh I sooooo get it😢 I went through the same thing- Now my kids are all in their 20’s-30’s - I hug my students a lot helps with those “ miss my own kids” moments😁

[@Katiecooks77]

My daughter is a sophomore this year, too, and I really feel ya!

[@angelajohnson4245]

Always love you two!!!! If I had ever had kids, I would've wanted to be so much like you! 😁🤗😍

[@jennyf3451]

I am so glad we homeschool. I would miss them to much.

[@DadGumption]

These are great! LOL Can definitely relate. Nice channel!

[@candybartholomew8058]

How fun! Thank you💗💗

[@cassandrazeivel8701]

I'm totally feel this. Where does the time go?

[@holdernessfamilylaughs]

No idea 🤔

[@kimwilliams5798]

We are driving our only daughter to college 700 miles from us this week. I just am barely hanging on right now. We likely won't see her again until Thanksgiving. Dang honors math.

[@kristibrda3637]

I've got my own sung about my cat. She's always "on the Remote Again...." You guys rock