Overjoyed Parents Who Finally Made It to the First Day of School (26 Photos)

Kids aren't always thrilled about heading back to school after summer break. But then there are parents who are clearly exhausted from entertaining them all summer long and can't wait to hand their beloved offspring over to professional educators. This photo gallery captures the "heartbreaking" moment parents send their kids back to class—and we hope it puts a smile on your face this first day of fall.







Bye-bye, kids! Mommy's going to miss you so much.





Inconsolable mom and dad wave goodbye to the school bus with "tears" in their eyes.



Nope, nobody is forcing them to learn.



Mom is just going to be devastated without her three musketeers.



A grieving mother's dance of sorrow.



It's hard to contain your feelings at a time like this.



She has seven kids, mostly foster—and every single one needs to be packed off to school.



An emotional father prepares to say a tearful goodbye before the school year begins.



A loving dad who just wants to spend a little more quality time with his kids.



Felicia is starting kindergarten. Mom has no idea how she'll survive a whole day without her little girl.



Six kids ready for school—and one heartbroken mom.



Two sisters wiping away tears as they send off their boys.



Poor mother! Her heart is breaking.



"0 Days Left."



The kids don't want to go to school, but duty calls.



Mom will be pining for her little princess all day long.



Joyful kids can't wait for their first class, while Mom is already missing them.



Good lord, how could they?! Who thought it was a good idea to tear children away from their parents for a whole day?!



Nothing can comfort this mother.



Or this one. Except, perhaps, a nice glass of Chardonnay.



Make that a chilled glass of Chardonnay, stat.



Dad just can't hide his emotions—overwhelmed with pride for his smart, well-behaved children.



"First Day Without Kids." Truly a tragedy, isn't it?



That's definitely a nervous smile. Definitely.



All jokes aside, parenting is exhausting work, and moms and dads are human too. But they love their kids and miss them terribly—far more than those kids will ever know. Happy First Day of School, everyone!