Back to School: It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

I have a confession to make.  I am not and never have been one of those sentimental moms who cries on the first day of school (which is odd, because I’m a very emotional person).  I didn’t sob when my kids went off to preschool for the first time or get choked up when they started kindergarten either.  Maybe I was sad for a moment or two, but no tears.  The truth is, I’m happy when the school year starts.  My kids are always happy, too.  If they weren’t, maybe I’d feel differently.  But they have always been confident and eager to begin each school year, so I am as well.

Ok, maybe being happy because they’re happy is really only a half truth.  If I’m being totally honest, I’m glad to get my freedom back each fall.  It’s selfish, I know, but it’s the truth.  By the end of the summer, I need my space.  Time alone to shower in peace.  To write in silence.  Even just to run errands alone.  Have you seen that new Target video?  Check it out here.  Spot on.

Flashback to this morning.  It was the first day of another new school year.  I swear if you listened closely, you would have heard the chorus to the song “Freedom” by Wham! playing in my head as the boys walked out the door.  Don’t get me wrong … I love my boys.  But absence makes the heart grow fonder, right?

Anyway, back to this morning.  The first day of 3rd grade and 6th grade (yes, that’s middle school around here!).  As usual, my boys were ready.  They’re still young enough that the first day of school breeds excitement, not dread.By mid-year, however, I cannot say the same is true.  Our usual M.O. on a school day involves yelling, rushing and even some begging, but amazingly, this morning was rather painless.  Everyone woke up on time, even a little early.  Everyone dressed quickly and even matched (mostly).  And most shockingly of all, there was no rushing or yelling.  It was such a smooth morning that I even had time to compose this cheesy, original poem:

T’was the first day of school and all through the land,

Parents were happy – life was grand!

The children woke early filled with delight;

They had gone to bed early – after all, it had been a school night.

A back-t0-school breakfast was ready to eat;

There was no yelling this morning – oh, what a treat!

Lunch boxes and backpacks were ready to go;

I was thrilled with this morning’s easy flow.

The kids were all dressed and pictures were taken;

Their smiles were real, there was no faking.

This first day is special, but things change fast;

I will relish it now because it will not last.

Once homework is assigned and routines are set,

The joy will be gone, on that you can bet.

But today my kids are excited and life is good;

I hope the same is true in your neighborhood.

It’s time to go now, the bus is here.

Happy First Day of the New School Year!

So for all of you who have to wait until after Labor Day to send your kids back to school, hang in there!  It’s just one more week until the most wonderful time of the year begins for you.  I’m sure you’re ready, and I’m positive your kids are, too.

– LJDT