As summer winds down, I couldn’t help but overhear one of my son’s friends asking if he had gathered his school supplies yet. My son, clearly caught off guard, didn’t realize how close we were to the start of the new school year. I can relate; I’ve been in denial too. Once again, I’ll be scrounging through the remnants at the store after the proactive parents have snagged all the good items. It’s time to get it together and embrace the upcoming year with enthusiasm! While my procrastination may have cost my son his pick of cool Trapper Keepers, I’m determined to make this school year a memorable one.
What better way to kick off this new chapter than with some resolutions? Here are my goals for the school year:
- I will capture a delightful photo of my kids on their first day of school. No excuses. I’ll even get a matching one at the end of the year for that classic side-by-side comparison.
- I will prioritize school picture day. This year, I’ll remember to schedule haircuts in advance and fill out the picture order forms the night before, not 30 seconds before we rush out the door. Plus, I’ll actually display their school photos instead of hiding away $40 worth of pictures in a drawer.
- Each child will know exactly where their shoes are before bedtime. This should eliminate the morning chaos. And I’ll tackle the sock basket situation too; if anyone helps match socks before school starts, they’ll earn bonus points.
- I will check my son’s backpack regularly. While I won’t promise a nightly inspection—who has the energy for that?—I’ll make it frequent enough to avoid the embarrassment of discovering a three-week-old sandwich hidden beneath a pile of papers.
- Permission slips will be signed promptly. I learned the hard way that neglecting these forms can lead to unexpected adventures, like my son bonding with the school librarian during a field trip he couldn’t attend.
- I will carefully read everything I sign. In my eagerness to avoid missing important forms, I’ve inadvertently agreed to volunteer for events instead of just signing permission slips. Lesson learned.
- My teenage daughters will pledge to keep the morning drama to a minimum. If they end up squabbling over the hairbrush or boots, the loser will have to tackle cleaning out their little brother’s backpack.
- I will improve my gifts for teachers. To all my children’s past teachers, I apologize for my impersonal gifts. This year, I’ll aim for something more thoughtful, like pairing a lottery ticket with chocolate.
- I will remain calm before school. Regardless of what gets forgotten or how late we run, the last thing my kids should hear from me is anger. I don’t want them to remember me yelling instead of offering love and support.
- I will remind myself that the school days are long and demanding. Kids face greater challenges today, and I’ll be patient with their frustrations. I’ll provide them with space to unwind and lend a listening ear when they need to vent. Tears are inevitable during tough homework sessions, and I’ll be there to comfort them (while trying to hide my own tears).
So, here’s to the new school year! Our family is ready for whatever comes next, as soon as we finally gather those elusive school supplies. If you’re interested in learning more about preparing for school or other family tips, you can check out this great resource.
Summary
As summer comes to a close, it’s time to embrace the new school year with a list of resolutions aimed at making the transition smoother and more enjoyable for the family. From capturing first-day photos to ensuring permission slips are signed on time, these commitments will help improve the school experience for everyone involved.