Every August, I start the countdown. It’s time to stock up on essentials for the kids! Here’s a fresh supply of underwear, some new socks, and don’t forget your pencils! As the summer draws to a close, I can’t help but do a little happy dance inside—September is almost here.
Ah, sweet September! The chaos of Summer Mom Camp has ended, and I can feel the potential of a new beginning. I dream about organizing the kitchen cabinets, finally clearing the mountain of papers from my desk, and even creating photo books from the last few years of captured memories. I imagine getting back in shape, cleaning out my car, and even making a quilt from the kids’ old shirts. I plan to volunteer at their school, register to be a substitute teacher, and help at the local soup kitchen. I will be (insert jazz hands) extraordinary!
Part of me knows I set these lofty goals because my inner 1990s feminist, with a freshly minted degree, cringes a little every time I think about being a stay-at-home mom. She had no idea what real life had in store!
So, I aim to be the Super Mom I envision. In September, I imagine endless hours of free time just waiting to be filled with productivity. I’ll read that book I’ve been meaning to dive into—maybe even write one!
But reality hits hard. By the time I tidy up the kitchen, squeeze in a jog, tackle a few loads of laundry, dash to Target for school project supplies, and whip up dinner, it’s already time to pick the kids up from school. Before I know it, October rolls around and I realize nothing has changed.
And that leaves me feeling a bit let down. I had high hopes for September. I could have been a contender!
September feels like a fresh start, akin to New Year’s Day for kids, parents, and educators. I load it with expectations for everything I can achieve. Last year, when my youngest started kindergarten, I resolved to run a marathon, write a book, and clean every closet in the house. At the time, it seemed totally doable.
A year later, the three closets I did manage to tackle are already cluttered again. No marathon medal hangs on my wall, and my name isn’t gracing any book spines. There’s hardly a trace of my achievements.
So here’s the lesson: Let it go.
Don’t expect to write books, run marathons, volunteer, and find personal fulfillment all at once. Maybe you can juggle two or three of those if you chug lots of coffee—but remember, you’re still human! Laundry piles up, dishes need washing, homework needs checking, and you have a full-time job as a stay-at-home mom.
Before you craft that ambitious list of September resolutions, consider these more manageable goals:
- Take a deep breath—you deserve it.
- Acknowledge every load of laundry, meal prepared, homework checked, and ride given. You’re doing great!
- Carve out a moment to reconnect with yourself (your soul is probably hiding near the washing machine).
- Remind yourself that your 1990s self had unrealistic expectations.
- Practice patience—it won’t be long before the kid-raising phase wraps up, and you’ll have plenty of time for everything else.
- And most importantly, know that you are enough just as you are.
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In summary, while September can feel like a fresh start filled with potential, it’s important to set realistic expectations. Celebrate the small victories, embrace your current self, and remember that this stage of life, as hectic as it may be, will pass.