Calming the Back-to-School Mania

I am about to embark on a weeklong beach vacation with my family. Yet something about it just does not feel right. Somehow, it seems anachronistic.

That gnawing feeling is not associated with taking time off from work – after all, as a stay-at-home-mother, I bring my work everywhere I go. Nor is it associated with the money I am about to spend that I know I should be saving.

This is bigger – much bigger. 

I have dared to go against the marketing grain and defy the perky and ubiquitous suggestion that summer is over by Aug. 1 and that my time should be spent scurrying about and organizing my children for perfection for the "Back to School spectacular."

To be clear, it is not my intent to discourage anyone from being well organized. I have been known to recreate a few scenes from the Pottery Barn Kids Catalog. If labeled cubby holes filled with brand-new notebooks and monogrammed backpacks set your mind at ease, I encourage you to go forth, shop the sales at Target and Gap at the Mall at Prince Georges and stock up on coordinated pencil cases and lunchboxes at Franklin's.  

I urge you once again to resolve that this year you will pack nothing but wholesome lunches composed from ingredients purchased at the Riverdale Park Farmers Market, embodied by butterfly- and dinosaur-shaped sandwiches (you may borrow my cutters) nestled next to fruit in the shape of a smiley face. Oh, and don't forget the loving handwritten notes on your child's napkin. Indeed, if preparing in advance will help you relax, I implore you to do it.

After you have completed your spurt of responsibility, I invite you to please return to us.

Come back to those who contend that Aug. 1 is only the middle of summer and that the rest of it stretches in front of us, begging to be enjoyed. I invite you to withstand the pressure to prepare for the future and enjoy the present. I challenge you to take advantage of deeply discounted rates and join a local pool (try the Adelphi Pool or the PG Pool).

I ask you to cling to the summer freedom of loose schedules, enjoy the permission to be imperfect and let your child stay up a little late or drink that extra juice. Because after all, it's still summer vacation. Before you walk them to University Park Elementary or Riverdale Elementary, take the time to examine those little bare toes, smell the salt in that baby's fine hair and listen to the squeals in the backyard. Let's enjoy these carefree moments while we still can. 

The only backpack I am determined to think about during my beach vacation is the one containing the kids' snacks for the day. I vow to enjoy the rest of the summer, because all too soon it will be actually be back to school.