"The most important aspect of Christianity is not the work we do, but the relationship we maintain and the surrounding influence and qualities produced by that relationship. That is all God asks us to give our attention to, and it is the one thing that is continually under attack.
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- Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest
Sunday, August 23, 2009
My kids go back to school tomorrow.
It has come to my attention that the night before the first day of school seems to be one of high anxiety for most families.
It's busy and stressful. School clothes, school supplies, nervousness, bedtime, new schedule, who is the homeroom teacher?, who will pick the kids up, will they make friends and on and on.
This week, we started putting the kids to bed at their bedtime, and I turned on cartoons for them at 6:30am. (A priviledge they don't normally have.) I did this to motivate them to get up so their bodies could start getting used to the new schedule. I don't know if this was a good idea or not, I guess we'll see...
What is the night before the first day of school like at your house?
Do you have any advice, words of wisdom or creative ideas you can share?
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Comments on "Back To School":
2. Bird
- 08/23/2009 7:33 pm CDT
Growing up my feelings were more about anxiety than anything else. That all changed in the 11th grade. For whatever reason, that's when I think most of my colleagues grew up.
These days my kids are homeschooled, so they don't have a clue about first day jitters. It's all the same to them (and us for that matter).
Hope your kids have a great first day, Shrode!
4. Kenny
- 08/24/2009 7:50 am CDT
You nailed it Phil.
Today is the first day of week three for us and our first grader is still crying when he leaves the house.
Hope your kids have a good day!
5. Whitney
- 08/24/2009 12:38 pm CDT
I have a couple friends whose oldest children were starting kindergarten today. I was nervous for them!
At our house, with the homeschool preschool, life is waaaaay more laid back. No wake up deadline, no carpool lines... day one was great, I anticipate many more! :)
6. Milly
- 08/24/2009 5:07 pm CDT
After you toss them out of the car find Starbucks.
It's the first full week that's the hardest. Stay organized. I’m not but I’m trying.
7. Whitney
- 08/25/2009 11:42 am CDT
After you toss them out of the car find Starbucks.
Ha! That made me laugh. Should be easy for the Schrode to do... there's an SB really close to the boys school! :) I know, I used to have to go there after every "toddler reading time" at the library Wednesday mornings to calm my nerves! :)
8. Quaid
- 08/25/2009 12:58 pm CDT
Today was the first day back to seminary for me. Starting year two of four (plus?) . . .
I don't know if it was this post getting into my head or what, but for whatever reason, I couldn't get to sleep last night. It was all I could do to stay awake this morning. Still, I didn't start crying when I left home, so I guess I'm okay in that regard.
9. Milly
- 08/25/2009 8:15 pm CDT
So you're okay Quaid? You didn't have to call someone to pick you up? You could take your favorite stuffed animal so that you could have someone to hold if you feel like cry'n.
Leave a Comment:
I can't speak for parents, but I think you're right. In my family, the weeks leading up to school, and especially the day before can be very emotional/stressful/exciting/etc. There are so many emotions (not all of them bad), and so little time to deal with them. I think it gets easier as the kids get more autonomous (from a child's perspective, at least). College is a whole different animal, but that gets easier, too.
The night before the first day of school was usually spent over a nice meal, maybe some family games, and prayer. It's always at least a little difficult, but it was exciting, too. You get to the point where you're just ready to start. The buildup becomes the worst part.