School Bell

School begins this week. I'm not ready.

I feel like summer is getting shorter and shorter and my time with my kids is less and less. I love my kids... even when they're driving me bananas and I need space. I like being with them. I like knowing their thoughts and feelings. I like watching them grow into big kids, though it seems like our transition from little kid to big kid is somewhat slow. :)

"School" around our house can sometimes be equated to a four letter dirty word. It can lead to fear of the unknown in my daughter. She tends to fret over little things and can make them into big things... like me. Once she has made her friend and has something to look forward to each day, school becomes much easier. Thankfully, she is very excited about her teacher this year, so I pray that those random tummy aches caused by nervousness and anxiety will not occur.

My dear son does not like school. He does not like waking up, he does not like going to school, he does not like being at school. We try not to mention school around him too much because it can cause a major shutdown if we do. He is ADHD and quirky to boot. Sometimes being a friend comes very hard for him. Sitting in a desk for long periods of time is difficult. He is bored if he is "learning" something he already knows. He is smart, but doesn't like to work. School gives him major stress. I'm not sure if it all of the expectation that is put on him to behave and perform is the root of his stress, but that is my guess.

Each morning they leave, I hold my breath. I pray that nerves are calmed and stress is relieved. I miss them when they are away from me. I am almost giddy with joy when it is time to pick them up at the end of the day. I love to hear about their day. My daughter fills me in on every last detail, my son grunts and says he forgot about his day.

I am not looking forward to homework. I am not looking forward to the rush of after school activities. I am looking forward to weekends. I think during summer, we are slack about making family time. During school, we are busy so we make a point to do things as a family. We love our weekends and take full advantage. We love popcorn and a movie snuggled on the couch. We love a walk thru a historic park. We love kid dates.



Last year, I had an ice cream sundae party in the driveway on the first day of school. My kids have asked if we're doing it again. Guess we have the beginnings of a new family tradition. Do you do anything special on the first day of school?