Now that the kids are back in school…

By Jackie Hennessey

The kids are back to school and I’m still in shock. Would someone please tell me where the summer went? Although it’s been a crazy first week back with new schedules, new school supplies and new sleep patterns, the fall is one of my favorite seasons. It’s all about getting back into a routine. And despite the fact that I’m a little sleep-deprived and we can’t exactly roll out of bed and head to cool waters on a moment’s notice anymore, it’s still a great time to get back on track.

OK, so this might not really happen until AFTER Labor Day (or until the end of next week even) for many families, I see it as the perfect time to look at the year ahead. Although many may not care to admit it, I’ve seen more moms (and dads) out exercising along the streets of Barrington lately with a smile plastered across their face. Some are wiping away their tears because it’s tough to say goodbye to the little ones as they get on the school bus every day. But the fact is, when all of your kids have reached school age, it gives you time to reflect. Time to think. Time to think about what you want to do now.  Aside from the mounds of laundry, dishes and miscellaneous errands. (And the fact that by 2 p.m., you’re on duty for the kids again.)

So many moms I know (that quit their jobs to stay home with their kids years ago) tell me they hope to get back to work again. I see a lot of moms sending their youngest off to first grade. And they are already searching for a job with mom-friendly hours. One friend jokes that she enjoys talking about getting that perfect job that ends by 1:45 p.m., but she hasn’t done anything about it. You never know, I tell her. Even in this tough economy, you just never know. The good news is there are a lot of companies out there that can’t afford to hire people full-time, so the hours you are available might make it a win-win situation. You never know what can happen unless you put yourself out there and try. I understand that being a mom is challenging enough and working even part-time isn’t for everyone. But for some moms, it’s a dream they hope to fulfill this fall. And I wish you the best!

I invite you to share your “back to school” hopes here.

And please don’t forget – your dessert recipe or mommy story could be in my next book! I’m extending the deadline for Barrington residents to September 7, 2012. Email me at Jackie@ventingsessions.com today. You could win a copy of my book, How to Spread Sanity on a Cracker! And a big thank you to those who have already sent in stories and recipes!

Visit Jackie Hennessey's blog at www.ventingsessions.com for more details.