Moms Talk: Back to School

It's the first day of school and children and parents everywhere are scrambling to get breakfast eaten, backpacks filled and pencils sharpened. Here's what our Moms Council has to say about the first day back. Chime in with your own thoughts!

Lisa May
I have two daughters and each of them are beginning at new schools this year. So, this is definitely new for us. My son is the only one not switching schools, and he seems to be having the most anxiety. In the past, my husband has taken off the week before school starts for us to do fun things around St. Louis. We did not do that this year, but took a fun trip to Branson in August. The fact that they start so early in August is still an adjustment for me. I still try to keep things as summer-like as I can.

The first couple of weeks usually don't bring homework (if it does, they are usually review). So, we still make time enjoy this time of year. We also do back to school binders. I started these when my oldest was in preschool. They are binders where I asked the same questions every year (some you answer before school starts, others after the first day). Examples are: What will you wear? Who are your friends? How was your teacher? Of course as they get older, their answers are more clear. It is neat to see their perspective as the years go by. It is a great keepsake. 

Jennifer AuBuchon
This year feels like a big one for me in a way. My son will be finishing elementary school and my daughter will be finishing middle school. Our start this year for our daughter was a little atypical. She had her tonsils removed last Thursday, so it's still a little questionable whether she can start Wednesday or not. To make her transition easier, I arranged with the school to let her decorate her locker early, get her schedule so we could walk around to her classrooms, etc. That definitely helped her adjust to the idea of having her surgery so close to the start of school.

We usually have a back-to-school dinner before school starts to generate excitement. We also try to start getting back into routines before the big day arrives. Things like getting to bed at a more normal bedtime, lessening time spent on video games and watching TV, reading and doing school-type activities all help my kids adjust. We also take advantage of going to meet the teacher nights and anything else our schools provide to help with transitioning. It's good for the kids to meet their teacher and some of their classmates before the official start of school!

Karin Jackson
Why is it that every year I think, "Man, this summer has flown by," and yet this year in particular, I am even more astounded that summer break is over. It's true, though. The paperchain on the wall - started more than 20 days ago - indeed reads the final countdown. We uphold fairly rigorous bedtimes around here, even through the summer, but even my best intentions this summer have bowed to progressively later nights. This past week, we've thrown in every extra 'travel' day we could - from the Arch at sunset Thursday, to the zoo Friday, and the Magic House Saturday - and it all has resulted in late nights to bed and sleeping-in mornings. 

Usually, I would say we return to bedtime routines. We've sorted through our store-bought school supplies and met the teachers. First day outfits are saved back from the laundry. First day of school lunchbox ideas have been discussed. I think we're ready. We have special plans our last day home to hit Krispy Kreme and do absolutely brain-dead things all day long (you know - hours and hours in front of the TV and video games...maybe a roadtrip to Redbox, who knows?). I would say it's an atypical last day. But I hope it's relaxing, enjoyable, and even maybe a little memorable? Here's to a wonderful school year for all! 

Samantha Goswami
My boys will be in third and first grade this year. We have already started going to bed earlier from last week, though it has been a struggle. They have already met their new teachers but I will meet them this week  and am looking forward to it. We bought new clothes and shoes last week and we are up-to-date on our reading.

My kids are looking forward to meeting all their friends and just going back to routine. They were even discussing what lunch I should be packing for them.

We will do a back to school dinner of the kids choice the day before school starts though it might be a little rushed because of soccer schedules.

Jenny Wescoat
My oldest is starting first grade, which means a big change for us. Because my husband works from home, we are used to eating all three meals as a family most days. It feels a bit strange that my son will eat at school! But we have picked out a really cool lunchbox for him and I've got plans to include a joke or funny cartoon each day.

I expect that he will like eating at school, but just in case it is lonely the first day, he'll have something to make him smile. I met my son's teacher on Friday and I liked her a lot. I feel confident that my son will, too. However, he doesn't seem convinced about full-day school, but I think once we get into the swing of things, it will be fine. I’m trusting that for myself, too, since sometimes I feel pretty sad about him being gone all day.  

My daughter is also starting preschool, and she is excited about that. I feel excited, too, because we sent my son to that preschool and already know how much we love it. Come December, though, I'll be running to the preschool and Bierbaum with a newborn and toddler in tow, so I am expecting a very busy, very exciting year!