Hey there, fellow parents! As summer winds down, it’s that time of year again—back to school! It feels a lot like New Year’s with all the resolutions swirling in my head. While I’ve made the same promises every year—like getting everyone to school on time and not losing any permission slips—this fall, I’m adding some new goals to my list, and I’m feeling pretty optimistic about keeping them. Here’s what I’ve got:
- I will embrace the power of NO.
After 12 years of parenting kids in various school stages, I’m no longer that eager mom volunteering for every event. Nope, I’m now part of the seasoned crew of parents who are just trying to make it through the day without losing our minds. We’ve done it all and are ready to pass the baton to the younger crowd. So, if you’re a sprightly parent eager to take over, please do! I’ve mastered the art of saying “No” without guilt. Trust me, it’s liberating! - I will let my kids handle their own morning routine.
Okay, this one feels a bit ambitious, but I’m determined to give it a shot! I know that without my morning pep talks and organizing, my kids would probably sleep until noon. But, for the sake of sanity, I’m going to step back and see if they can wake themselves up, get breakfast, and be ready for school without my constant supervision. Here’s to hoping we can pull this off—at least until the holiday chaos kicks in! - I will support my teens in pursuing their own futures.
When my eldest entered high school, I had a vision of what their path should look like, without considering his input. But guess what? He’s got his own dreams and interests, and it’s time for me to step back and let him explore them. Whether he ends up in teaching or something entirely different, I want his choices to be his own. It’s a big shift for me, but I know it’s necessary! - I will resist the urge to help with school projects.
Let’s be real—those overly polished science projects scream “parent involvement.” I’m not falling for it anymore! With four kids, I’ve learned to stand my ground. If a project is due, it’s their responsibility to figure it out. Sure, it might mean a few tough lessons along the way, but better to learn now than when it really counts, right? - I will savor every moment of my youngest’s elementary years.
As the “over it” mom, I don’t want my youngest to feel the weight of my fatigue. He deserves the same excitement I had for my first child’s school experiences. So, I’m committing to showing up with enthusiasm for all those little milestones. I’ll be the proud parent at the Christmas play and the science fair, capturing every moment without grumbling about how I’ve done it all before.
So there you have it—my resolutions for a smoother back-to-school season. As we dive into this new chapter, I’m ready to navigate it with a lighter heart. Here’s to making the most of these moments!
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