School Years

But as I look to my calendar and see that my girls will be in class through the second week of June, I sigh and wonder … what is the ideal calendar for the school year anyway?

Most mornings, we all need to be out of the house by 7:15.  Many  mornings I am solo while my husband is already at work. That means I need to get 2 kids to 2 places and myself to work by 7:45. (serious kudos to parents who do this single handedly 5 days a week).  I feel like I’ve conquered a marathon by the time I pull into the parking lot at my work!

I’m lucky to be able to drive my kids to school in a district that doesn’t require metal detectors at the entrances. As there are families in this city who live in their vehicles, we should be so grateful as to use our cars just as cars – not as temporary housing. But do you know what would help ease the traffic burden at schools? Fewer vehicles! Make friends with your neighbors who also have kids at your school and share the driving; it’s made all the difference for my neighborhood. And my sanity.

When it’s all said and done, the truth is that lice is part of parenting.  Along with cleaning up vomit, helping them go to the bathroom, and the endless snot that enters your life upon having children, lice is another gross part of the journey.

Quite the title right?  Let me explain.  Evenings are tough for most kids from infant on. I know my babies were the crankiest from 5:30-bedtime most nights. The witching hour. But I’m not talking about babies or even toddlers. I’m referring to the school-age group of kids!

If you are already in a rut packing lunches or are just looking for fresh ideas, here are some foods to send with your child!

Our reasons might be varied, but the sentiment is the same – back-to-school isn’t all fun times and freedom for emotional mothers. But take heart! There are steps you can take to beat the back-to-school blues.

I know MANY parents are counting down the days until school starts in complete joy and jubilation! They are ready to be down with the summer sibling squabbles, the endless “Can I have a snack?” and “I’m bored”, and...

Yes, I know supply lists can be long and can get expensive. There also are often items that are very specific and difficult to find. BUT, the teacher has placed those items on the list for a reason - for your child to use while learning. If you decide to make negative comments about the supplies, how much money it’s costing, etc., your child may hear that their supplies are not important. Depending on what you say, it may just be subtle, but it’s not sending a positive message regarding school before school has even begun.

If you are like me, you have had “THOSE DAYS”. “Those days” are the days that the kids decide to see how long my patience will last. At every turn, I have a child who is distracted, bored or just plain tired. And speaking of tired, there are “those days” that I am just plain tired. Maybe I am not feeling well, or traveling, or just in need of a break.