Back to School Jitters

I’m feeling slightly jittery, and no, it’s not because of that extra coffee my Keurig pumped out this morning.  I’m not behind on my work for Brent and for once I’m caught up on housework and I actually have supper planned.  Nope, this morning it hit me that we are on the last official week of summer vacation.  As in, school begins NEXT week.  Like many of you, I am stuck asking “Where in the world did those last 8 weeks go?”  I have blips of warm days on a beach or sitting by the campfire, but they seem to be a blur mixed with lots of rain and a frenzy of “tee-hee’ing” girls destroying my basement.

Next you can chalk up the back to school shopping on my list of havoc wreaked nerves, as I perused the aisles of at least 5 stores trying to find the required 3 inch binders and decent jeans that fit my petite waisted girls. (By the way, I’m still offended by that study put out there recently that all it takes to raise a child is $3000 per year (food included)….but that’s a completely different blog.)

Third on the list is extra curricular.  Mission Impossible begins with the fact that our schedule requires us to be on the go most of the week….and I’m still required to have supper on the table and a bathroom that doesn’t freak out my guests?  I’m not convinced I have the next Picasso or Olympian in my house but I still can’t say no to the fact that they want to be active….so yes, the schedule is getting full. 

So how am I going to manage?  I’m going to plan….or I plan to plan….and it will look something like this:

• Start getting off that summer schedule of late nights and sleeping in a little sooner than the night before school starts.  Kids need routine and it’s only fair to give them a head start.
• Be positive about heading back to school.  It’s fun, friends and gym class! If you are negative about it, the kids will be anxious as well.
• Dig out the supply lists and check things off as you put them into backpacks.  Label what needs to be labeled, especially if you have little ones.  Don’t assume your child won’t leave that new sweater at the park simply because you paid too much for it.
• Don’t sweat what you can’t find.  I’ve learned over the years that chances are a 2” binder is ok if you can’t find a 3” and that you might not need 50 pencils or 12 erasers off the bat.  Be aware that in the younger grades most things are “pooled” as supplies so you don’t necessarily need to buy the most expensive set of crayons or fanciest scissors you can find.
• Have lunches and suppers generally planned for that first week and you’ll save yourself some planning stress during that first bout of chaos.  If it’s your first time around, make sure you are aware of the “nut” rules of your school for snacks and lunch.
• Make sure your upcoming routine is realistic.  At some point it’s ok to say no to yet another activity.  Kids need rest and downtime even more than we do, so make sure they have plenty of time to relax and enjoy friends.
• Know the school’s phone number, bell schedule and your child’s bus # and times, or at least have this info handy.
• Make a chart or calendar of events so that everyone is fully aware of what happens on what day.  Know what day you’ll need to take out chicken the night before for the crockpot and don’t get caught forgetting an activity or appt due being unorganized.

Most importantly, don’t forget to breathe.  It’s hard watching them go off on their own whether they are excited about it or not.  I still tear up walking away as my oldest is 10 and kicking me out of the class.  I just have to believe “I got this”….and stretch this week out as long as humanly possible.

Just know you’re not alone in this…I hear ya.

All the best for this school season!

Amy