I recently heard one of my daughter’s friends ask her if she had picked up her school supplies yet. “Wait. What? School… already?” Poor kid! She had no idea that summer was winding down. Honestly, I’ve been in denial too. It looks like once again, I’ll be rummaging through the leftovers at Target after all the super-organized parents have snatched up the fun stuff. Ugh.
I guess it’s about time to pull myself together, grab those school supplies, and get pumped for the year ahead! Just because my reluctance to embrace the end of summer may have cost my daughter the chance to pick out her favorite Trapper Keeper doesn’t mean we can’t have an amazing school year. My lack of enthusiasm ends here! We have a whole new year ahead filled with learning, fun, and all that great stuff.
What better way to kick off a new school year than with a list of resolutions to make it the best one yet? Here are my 2023–2024 school year resolutions:
- Capture the Moment
I will take a wonderful photo of all my children on the first day of school. Seriously, this is happening. And just to up the ante, I’ll get a picture on the last day too, for one of those cute side-by-side comparisons. - Picture Day Preparedness
I will not forget school picture day! This year, I’m determined to remember it in time to schedule haircuts. And I’ll fill out my order form the night before it’s due—not right before we rush out the door. Plus, I’ll actually frame and display my kids’ school photos instead of hiding them away in a drawer! - Shoe Location Awareness
No one will go to bed without knowing exactly where their shoes are! This should save us from the usual morning chaos. And bonus points for anyone who doesn’t have to sift through the dreaded sock basket to find matching socks. - Backpack Check
I won’t promise to check my son’s backpack every night—that’s just unrealistic. But I’ll make sure to look in it often enough to avoid the awkward moment when the teacher discovers a 3-week-old sandwich lurking in there. Not that this has ever happened to us… - Permission Slip Vigilance
I will sign all permission slips! Last year, I may have missed a field trip form, but my son got an unexpected day with the librarian. On the flip side, I’ll read everything I sign this year. I’ve learned that sometimes a volunteer form is sneakily disguised as a permission slip. - Morning Peace Treaty
My teenage daughters will sign a pact promising to keep the peace in the mornings. No one needs that kind of drama before breakfast. But if they do decide to bicker over whose turn it is with the good hairbrush, fine. The loser can tackle cleaning out their little brother’s backpack. - Meaningful Teacher Gifts
I will give better gifts to my children’s teachers. To all of my kids’ former teachers, I apologize for last Christmas’s last-minute lottery ticket taped to a pack of Tic Tacs. This year, I’ll at least try to attach it to something chocolate. - No Yelling Before School
I refuse to yell at my kids before school, no matter how late we are running or what they forget. The last thing I want them to hear from me as they head out the door is something harsh. I’d hate for my last words to be me yelling about the tardy bell! - Be Patient
I will remember that the school days are long and demanding. My kids have fewer recesses and are expected to process so much more information than we did. I’ll be patient with them when they’re cranky, give them space to unwind, and lend an ear when they need to vent about their homework struggles (even if I might tear up a bit myself).
So let’s bring it on, 2023–2024 school year! Our family is ready—once I finally get the school supplies sorted out!