As summer draws to a close, I find myself facing the bittersweet reality of the back-to-school season. While there are aspects of summer that drive me a bit bonkers—like the relentless “I’m bored” chants and the disappearing food stockpiles—I can’t help but feel a twinge of sadness as I prepare for the hustle and bustle of the school year. Here are ten things that I genuinely dread about sending my kids back to school.
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Bedtime Battles
During summer, I take a laid-back approach to bedtimes. My kids often conk out in the most random places—on the couch, the floor, or even at the dinner table. But with school about to start, I know I’ll have to reinstate the strict bedtime protocol that I usually uphold, which feels like an uphill battle. And let’s not even talk about the first few weeks of school, when it’s still light outside as I attempt to usher them to bed. Talk about a recipe for resistance! -
Early Mornings
My kids are early birds on weekends, but come Monday morning, waking them up feels like trying to lift a boulder. It’s a struggle that leaves me exhausted. At least during summer, I don’t have to deal with the morning grouchiness of trying to pry them from their cozy beds. -
Shopping Chaos
Some parents are smart and plan ahead, stocking up on school supplies and clothes throughout the year. Not me! I’m the frantic mom at the store with a cart piled high, kids clamoring for every trendy item they see, all while trying to decipher a list of supplies and sizes. The sight of that receipt is enough to make me question my life choices. -
Lunch Logistics
In summer, my kids grab whatever they can find for lunch—cereal, sandwiches, or the occasional mystery item from the freezer. But come school time, I’m tasked with packing nutritious lunches that won’t have them surviving solely on pudding cups and Cheez-Its. It’s either that or waste money on school lunches they won’t touch. -
Shoe Scavenger Hunts
I keep hoping my kids will figure out that putting shoes away leads to less chaos. Instead, I find myself searching high and low for lost footwear nearly every morning. It’s a daily treasure hunt that eats into precious time. -
Drop-off and Pick-up Mayhem
The school parking lot transforms into a chaotic scene where civility seems to vanish. It’s a tangled mess of cars driven by parents who forget the meaning of courtesy. Even the most patient people (like me) can’t help but feel the urge to express their frustration. -
Keeping Kids Presentable
Over the summer, I let my kids slide a little on hygiene, but when school starts, it’s a different story. I suddenly have to be the fashion police, ensuring they look presentable and appropriate every day. That means regular baths and tidy outfits—what a drag! -
Coordinating Outfits
My son once paraded downstairs in a wildly mismatched ensemble that I didn’t even bat an eye at during summer. But now, I’m expected to ensure their outfits are clean, coordinated, and ready to go. Laundry will become my new best friend—or worst enemy. -
Homework Headaches
There’s something liberating about evenings free from homework battles. I really don’t miss the constant reminders, the search for supplies, and the inevitable math confusions that leave me questioning my own education. -
The Obligation Overload
While summer allows for a relaxed schedule, the school year brings a whirlwind of commitments—projects, forms, meetings, and extracurricular activities. It’s overwhelming, and without a personal assistant (if only!), it’s a constant juggling act.
In light of all these concerns, perhaps summer isn’t so bad after all. As I prepare to send my kids back to school, I remind myself that their teachers may be facing even more challenges than I am. Maybe I should consider sending a little something, like a bottle of wine, along with the school supplies this year!
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As the school year approaches, let’s embrace the chaos together and remember that every season has its challenges and joys!