Back to School!

We had a wonderful summer and over the past few months we watched the boy develop into a toddler. I have been so busy that I have not made the time to blog, so I apologize for that and will do my best to post regularly.

It’s hard to believe that summer is over and school has started. I say it all the time, but time flies! The boy is 16 months, my husband just turned 35, my 30th is in a few weeks, and this year marks our 5 year anniversary! All good things, but sometimes I just want to freeze time and enjoy the moment.

This week, as my niece in Montreal and nephew in NJ head to their first day of grade one I am reminded by my own back to school experience. As a kid, every year the night before the first day of school, I used to sleep in my mother’s bed. I would to talk about how I felt about returning to school after what was always a great summer. I re-hashed the previous year, and declared my commitment to try my best. I literally spent the night before the first day of school in my mother’s bed until I went for a Master’s degree!

While some parents may not agree that back to school is a big deal, it certainly is for the kids. I know my sister spent the evening in her daughters bed the other night giving her a pep talk and hearing her daughter’s excitement about going into grade school, and the little one got so jealous she started to cry begging for her parents to come to her bed to talk about her school. Since she only starts tomorrow, they promised her that tonight would be her night!

For many parents, starting a new school year means having to re-explain your child’s allergies and developing a level of trust with the school. Depending on the situation, this can be easy or extremely difficult for parents. My mother obviously spoke with the teachers about my allergy, but another part of my her routine was to write up what she called the ‘encyclopedia’. This was basically a handbook she wrote of how to handle my asthma and my allergies. It detailed the signs and symptoms, the medications, how to administer the Epipen, the activities I was allowed to do (weather depending), and the emergency contact list. The office and my teachers got a copy. This was a very helpful tool that was given to the school every year.

In a few weeks, the sandals and bathing suits will be put away, the new routine will settle in, and all kids will be talking about is their teachers, friends, after school activities, and homework. So for all the parents out there, I wish your children nothing but a safe, successful school year!

:)
J.