New School Year Resolutions: Embracing the Next Chapter

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Recently, I overheard one of my daughter’s friends asking her if she had gathered her school supplies yet. “Wait, what? School already?” Poor kid. She was blissfully unaware that summer’s magic was slipping away. Honestly, I’ve been living in denial too. It looks like we’re in for another round of rummaging through the remnants at the local store after all the organized parents have snagged the trendy items. Oh well.

I guess it’s high time I get my act together, tackle that school supply list, and feel excited about the upcoming year! My reluctance to acknowledge the end of summer might have robbed my daughter of her favorite notebook, but that doesn’t mean this school year has to be a drag. My lack of excitement stops now. We have a fresh year ahead filled with learning, adventures, and all sorts of possibilities!

What better way to kick off this new chapter than with a set of resolutions to make it the best year yet? Here are my new (school) year commitments for 2023-2024:

1. I will capture a charming photo of all my kids on the first day of school. Seriously, this is going to happen! I’m determined to get a picture worthy of social media, and I’ll even snag one on the last day for a cute side-by-side comparison.
2. I will not forget school picture day. Speaking of which, this year I’ll remember to schedule haircuts ahead of time. I’ll also fill out the order form the night before it’s due—not two minutes before we dash out the door. And I promise to actually display or share my kids’ school photos instead of letting them gather dust in a drawer.
3. No one will go to bed without knowing exactly where their shoes are. This will prevent the inevitable morning chaos. Bonus points for anyone who helps me sort through the dreaded sock pile before school starts.
4. I’ll check my daughter’s backpack regularly. While I’m not committing to every night—that feels excessive—I’ll make sure to avoid the embarrassing moment when a three-week-old sandwich becomes a science experiment in her bag. Trust me, that’s not a fun discovery.
5. I will sign all permission slips. I’ve learned from past mistakes, like the time I accidentally forgot to sign a field trip slip. My daughter ended up getting to know her librarian very well that day!
6. I’ll read everything I sign. In my eagerness to correct my previous slip-up, I’ve signed forms without reading them. Sometimes, a volunteer form can sneakily resemble a permission slip, and I’ve learned to check the fine print.
7. My teenage daughters will agree to a truce in the mornings. No one needs drama before school starts! If they do end up squabbling over the hairbrush or whose turn it is to wear the stylish boots, the loser will have to clean out their brother’s backpack.
8. I will give thoughtful gifts to my kids’ teachers. To all of my children’s past teachers, I apologize for that last-minute gift of a lottery ticket taped to a pack of gum. This year, at least I’ll make it a bit more special—maybe pairing it with some chocolate.
9. I will refrain from yelling at my kids before school. No matter what they forget or how slow they are, the last words they hear from me shouldn’t be angry or rushed. I want them to start their day with a positive vibe.
10. I’ll remember that the days feel longer for kids now than they did when we were in school. They have fewer breaks and a heavier workload. I will be patient when they’re cranky, give them space to unwind, and lend an ear when they need to vent. I’ll also be there to wipe away the tears when homework gets too tough (before they catch me crying too).

So, bring on the 2023-2024 school year! Our family is ready, as soon as we finally get the supplies sorted out. For more insights on navigating family changes, check out this blog post. And if you’re exploring the journey of home insemination, this site offers great resources. Also, you can find valuable information on fertility treatments here.

To summarize, as we embark on this new school year, let’s embrace the challenges and joy it brings. With resolutions in hand, we’re set to make lasting memories while ensuring a smoother school experience.