As I navigated the morning chaos of labeling lunch boxes, signing forms, and hunting down shoes that fit my little one, it quickly became evident: the preschool year is upon us. With the surge of tasks ahead, I found myself feeling overwhelmed by the impending responsibilities. From organizing holiday celebrations to managing class contributions, the list seems endless. Reflecting on last year’s experience, where I embarrassingly missed several opportunities for thoughtful teacher gifts (seriously, who knew Valentine’s Day required a gift?), I had a caffeinated realization: it’s time to set some boundaries.
This year, I’m firmly stating “no” to the following:
1. Gifts for Teachers at the Start of the Year
Last year taught me a valuable lesson about teacher gifts, and while I’m ready to acknowledge birthdays and special occasions, a back-to-school gift? Not happening. We haven’t even begun classes yet! I may offer a gift card when my child achieves potty training milestones, but the “Welcome Back” gift will have to wait. I need my mental space to plan for more meaningful gestures down the line.
2. Holding Onto Every Piece of Artwork
My son loves creating art, and we celebrate his creativity, but what happens afterwards? Storing every piece is simply not feasible. This year, after appreciating his masterpieces, I’m going to discreetly discard some of the less impressive works. Of course, I’ll keep the standout projects—like his fluffy cotton ball sheep—but those random scribbles won’t be making it to the fridge.
3. Fancy Lunches
After witnessing another mom’s elaborate lunch packing last year, I felt a wave of anxiety. Her toddler’s bento box was a sushi sandwich masterpiece, while my efforts fell far short. This year, I’m ditching the fancy lunches in favor of simple staples: Goldfish, mini muffins, and raisins will be the mainstay. It’s practical and far less stressful.
4. Saturday School Events
Dear Preschool, I appreciate all you do, but we simply cannot make it to school on a Saturday for Carnival Day. I can think of countless other ways to spend a weekend than wrangling my child at a school event that involves games and long lines—neither of which are his strong suits. We’ll celebrate the season in our own cozy way at home.
5. Theme Days
If a special outfit, themed snack, or any type of “homework” is required, I’m opting out. At 2 years old, my son is all about the playground, not participating in “celebrate our home state week” activities.
6. Chain Emails From Other Parents
While I want to stay informed about classroom happenings, I draw the line at mass emails promoting Tupperware or leggings just because our children are in the same class. I already support friends through social media, and my budget is stretched thin. So, I’ll politely delete those email chains to maintain my sanity.
Cheers to a new school year! I look forward to seeing you all—just not at Carnival Day, holiday prep, or product parties!
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In summary, this preschool mom is prioritizing mental well-being by saying “no” to unnecessary pressures, focusing instead on what really matters during this stage of childhood.