How’s your school year going so far? I’d rate myself around a 67 percent—a solid D+. But don’t worry; I’m sure I’ll drop to a 20 percent in no time!
Just last week, I felt like the ultimate planner when it came to managing my kids’ school routines. I had everything sorted out. I would set up bowls and spoons next to the cereal, with fresh fruit like berries, tangerines, or bananas waiting in line. I woke up 30 minutes early to brew coffee and review any permission slips or homework that needed my signature. My “Mom” folder, complete with a label maker, was filled with school newsletters, our carpool number, and a calendar marking holidays and school closures.
After school, I had the dining table set with wholesome snacks and chilled water before the bus arrived at 4 p.m. I would cheerfully remind my kids to hang up their backpacks, usher them in, and ensure their shoes made it to the closet while I cleared the counter of old school papers.
Last week, I was on track to be the Pinterest-perfect mom I always aspired to be. Fast forward to this week, and I’ve already been jolted awake by a hungry child 20 minutes after her usual wake-up call because I forgot to set my alarm. In the rush after school, the kids have indulged in cookies and ham slices—snacks I specifically prohibited last week because they were “for school only.” The pile of papers on my counter? I think I need to sign at least 56 of them and return them with either a check or a promise of indentured servitude!
We’re barely into the school year, and I’m already losing my grip. By winter break, my kids may be doing math with their toes, and by year’s end, they’ll probably be living off leftover holiday candy.
But you know what? I’m not ashamed. Shame is for those who have unrealistic expectations of themselves. I find myself pondering how it is that all this organizing and preparation feels so empowering in September but quickly turns into a measure of failure as October rolls around.
In previous school years, I’ve attempted to shake things up by relocating backpacks from hooks in the hallway to the backs of dining chairs. I’ve hung cork boards, set up calendars, and scheduled everything from checking backpacks (4:00 to 4:15 p.m.) to family reading sessions right after dinner. Yet, no matter what system I implement, someone inevitably pulls out a homework assignment at 7:51 a.m. that I never saw because we skipped checking backpacks the night before—where even is your backpack? (Spoiler: it’s under the back porch.)
Without fail, someone needs to use the bathroom (“It’s urgent, Mom!”) when we should be reading together like a picture-perfect family that even Clifford the Big Red Dog would envy. By the time I ask, “Do you have anything for me to sign?” my kids are halfway to their friend’s house. Their shoes are scattered under couches or in the driveway, and somehow the dog is eating someone’s homework!
In short, it’s not us; it’s them. We struggle to keep our kids organized and our sanity intact because the essence of childhood is woven with chaos and whimsy. Add in school fundraisers, flyers igniting interests in trapeze lessons or combat chess club, PTA commitments, and shopping for new shoes because your kids have outgrown the ones you bought just weeks ago. It’s no surprise that we can’t find a single pencil with an eraser!
We were never destined to win this game. We’re just trying to manage our losses while the real victors are the Pinterest-perfect moms and that one friend with the impeccably clean car (may their children step in dog poop, amen). For the rest of us, we need to don our resigned smiles and help our child locate the power cord for their school laptop, the one that should be at the family charging station we set up back on Labor Day.
So, roll up your sleeves and keep an extra pen and notepad handy in the car for those moments when you need to recreate a permission slip at the last minute, because someone took the field trip form to the bathroom during reading time, and let’s just say your chances of getting that slip to the teacher tomorrow are slim to none.
For those navigating the world of parenting, including home insemination topics, you may find helpful insights in our posts at Home Insemination Kit and Make A Mom, both of which are great resources. And if you’re looking for further information on pregnancy, check out WHO’s excellent resource.
In summary, while the school year can often feel overwhelming, remember that you are not alone in your struggles. Embrace the chaos, and know that we are all just trying our best to get through another school year.