On the Brighter Side: Ack, school is coming
On the Brighter Side: Ack, school is coming
Yep, it is that time of summer that we are seeing almost every commercial pointing to back-to-school supplies, back-to-school clothes, and back-to-school everything that one could imagine and then some. We definitely know that it has got to be back-to-school time because the weather always gets to be the hottest. It is that time that no matter if your little one is starting kindergarten or college it brings each parent to be thoughtful and pause.
A lot of thoughts, a lot of summer memories and much wondering if you made the most of the summer months and are they ready for the big day. What kind of parent are you in your thinking about getting the kids ready for school?
Are you a “covering all my bases” type of parent? Should I go over their sight words for the 100th time? Make sure to start packing their new backpack, don’t want to forget something. Maybe cut out a heart with a love message and stick it in their lunch box. Good parents do that right? Oh yeah, he’s seventeen, he doesn’t take a lunch box to school.
Or maybe you are a “should have parent”. Ackk! I should have worked more on her math skills. Dog gone it, we should have gone to the library more! I should have not let him play with his Switch so much! The kids should have not stayed up so late!
Yes, so much to think about and so little time!
But what about our children? Have you wondered about what they are thinking before they take off for that first day?
More than likely they are probably doing some “what if” thoughts of their own with their minds scrambling for answers.
What if the teacher tells us it is time to go to the bathroom and I don’t have to go!
What if I go out on the playground and everyone has a buddy to play with and I don’t?
What if I get my name tag wet and no one can read my name and someone asks, “what is my name?” What do I say?
What if I find myself in Math class and then I realize I am supposed to be in Reading as the teacher is calling out attendance?
Yes, it is a time of many thoughts. Let’s not forget us empty nesters! This time of year definitely brings to mind different thoughts – ahhh sweet memories.
On the first day of kindergarten class for our “little guy” I received a phone call from his teacher. She just wanted me to know that at recess as she was watching the boys play on the playground, she noticed he blurted out a big laugh. She also noticed his face froze and he looked up at her wide eyed. Apparently, that wasn’t the only thing he blurted out. She was informing me that all was okay and no one knew what was happening as it was the end of recess and everyone was starting to line up to go back into school. But . . . it might be a good idea to bring a new pair of pants for him the next day. I think I heard a giggle in her voice.
When I came to pick him up at the end of the day. He sheepishly looked at me and I gave him a smile and ruffled his hair. We walked back to the car with smiles on our faces. All was well.
Yes, summer is just about over. The approaching of school certainly brings us to the “covering all my bases,” “what ifs” and the “should haves” thoughts to ponder. But considering all that went on this summer, you did well, and the kids are ready. But take it from an empty nester, now you want to think about the great bright spots that are to come. Those precious times and the special memories that thank goodness never go away.
Susan Baker is a columnist for The Maryville Forum.
