Back to School

There are three words that bring both relief and anxiey to parents of school age children - Back to School. For those who have been home with kids all summer, the change in routine is most welcome. It means they are no longer the daily Events Director, Lifeguard, Cook, Chauffeur, Mediator and all around Fun Parent.

It also means a frenzy of shopping for the right backpack, lunchbox, notebooks, pencils and pens that change color, write upside down and practically erase themselves. Then it's on the the clothing department and hope they don't need new shoes too. After fighting the crowds, spending  $150 and eating at Taco Bell once again, they're ready fot the FIRST DAY! If it's college time, it's a lot like the first day of school all over again, but the cost is closer to $20,000 and MUCH more complicated!

For those of you with kindergarteners, make sure you've both met the teacher and seen the classroom before that first morning. And buy extra kleenex - you (probably not your child) will need it. That first day of school comes much faster than you think, it seems like just yesterday he was pouring cereal on the kitchen floor and mixing it with the dog food. And now he's yelling "See ya later, Mom!" over his shoulder as he heads into a huddle with six other little boys. So take that lump in your throat and get outta there as quick as you can!

If you're fortunate enough to have a few extra minutes that morning, grab another cup of coffee and savor your thoughts...let them drift back to the bundle in the blanket, the first steps, words, poop in the toilet...and cry if you need to. This is another milestone in your life as a parent - congratulate yourself for having gotten this far. Parents of college students may want to celebrate with dinner and dancing!

For older students, the all-important element - friends - becomes a major factor in all thoughts, decisions, feeling and actions. If your daughter finds herself in a class opposite all her friends, she may feel lonely and lost the first few days and some encouragement can go far in helping her adjust (especially those stories about what it was like when you were in sixth grade...)

Even tho' everyone is ususally ready for the changes a new school year brings, there are times you miss them and still wish they were home. Consider getting involved in school events and activites, go have lunch with them, stay and help the teacher, read a story, etc. That helps everyone build a bridge between home and school, and is a chance to learn more about their school days than at any parent-teacher conference.

So enjoy the quiet house, the clean kitchen and some alone time, and there's still time to sneak in another beach day or two!