Back to school blues (or bliss)?

(Author’s note: This post has run off and on around this time of year for a few years, and this time around, it’s as crazy as ever: back to school shopping, son’s first day as a high-school senior today — yikes, how did this happen??!!! — awaiting ACT scores and readying college applications, and last but not least, his 18th birthday this week. So I hope you all don’t mind a slightly revamped Posse rerun. Thanks!)

OK, parents: Can I get a collective “Hallelujah!!”? Or maybe a big box of tissues?

Now for those of you who don’t have children it may not matter much, but for those who do, or for teachers and school employees, it’s a big deal.

As much as we love our kids, it will be nice to get a break from the frequent refrain of “Mom (or Dad), I’m bored!” that late summer often brings. And it will be good to see them get back into a routine.

My son heads back today, and even though it may seem early, other school systems around here have already been in session since last week. One nearby school system started on Friday, July 27. HELLO, people, July??!! This feels wrong on so many levels, at least to me. (Oh, for the days of my youth when school started AFTER Labor Day!) But no matter what, that big first day will be here for everyone else before you know it.

So, here’s a look at fragrances that might work for several back-to-class scenarios:

For the mom or dad for whom summer has just gone on too long: By Kilian’s Sweet Redemption (sweet relief, perhaps?) or A Taste of Heaven.

The most delicious scent to evoke pencils: Fendi’s (sadly discontinued) Theorema

For those with little ones heading off for the first time: Parfums DelRae Emotionnelle or By Kilian’s Love and Tears (they were just in diapers yesterday, how can they be in kindergarten already?)

In the first-morning rush, Chaos to help calm the frenzy (at least for Mom).

Uh-oh, they’ve left their lunchbox, backpack, etc., at home and you’re already late for work: Sacrebleu (PdN)!

For dealing with diehard sleepyheads that first morning, i.e., “Go away, Mom, I was just having the most wonderful …” — thump! — head hits the pillow again: Montale’s Sweet Oriental Dream

When your daughter finally does get up, who will you encounter at the breakfast table: Miss Charming or Lady Vengeance?

Let’s think positive and assume it’ll be Miss Charming. To go with her carefully chosen brand-new outfit: Dior’s New Look 1947.

For the older kiddos who keep late hours and can’t seem to get up: Comme des Garcons Energy C

Speaking of teens, what might they be packing? Encens et Bubblegum, or, heaven forbid, Jasmin et Cigarette?

And with that, ahem, more mature crowd, there’s not likely to be much goodbye affection for the parental units. Take comfort in PdN’s Kiss Me Tender or Love Comes From Within.

Then when they come home that afternoon, and you ask, “How was your day? What’s going on at school?”: Jacomo Silences or Vol de Nuit Evasion will help get you prepped for the noncommittal shrug, mumbled “Nothing,” or exaggerated eye-rolling that might be forthcoming.

Getting your college-age son or daughter moved into a dorm or apartment? Heeley’s Menthe Fraiche might help you keep your cool during the heat of move-in madness.

To ease your frazzled nerves late in the day: a shot of Vanille Bourbon (Il Profumo) or Lubin’s Gin Fizz might be just the ticket.

And when it’s all over, they’re settled in and you’re heading back home by yourselves, your choice of: Jubilation 25, Vetiver Dance, Perfect Bliss or classic Joy. Or perhaps something bittersweet to help you deal with the empty or partially empty nest.

What scents put you in mind of back-to-school days? For all you school folks out there, what scent did you wear or will you be wearing on Day One?