New year, new school, new routine

My children have just returned from two weeks up North and are undergoing Granny Detox. You know what that's like. You know they mean well by spoiling your kids rotten and feeding them whatever they want at all times of the day, yet at the same time, you still require a week of debriefing on the rules and regulations before life resumes some sort of normalcy again. I know you can relate.

This week, however, has been a challenging week. My daughter returned with a very interesting habit. When she gets upset with me or my son she runs away, crying, to her room, stating vehemently that ‘she wants to live somewhere else, she doesn't want a big brother, and that we are being rude to her.’ I’m optimistic the bickering will subside and the tantrums will fade as the excitement of a new school year sets in.

As of printing, there remains one week until school begins for the majority of the region. The predictability of homework, early nights, bedtime routines, and preparing lunches will set in. And fall registration for hockey, soccer, dance, and scouts will resume for many of us.
I must admit I grew fond of not having to prepare lunches every day. I enjoyed being much more laid back (read lazy) throughout the week and making plans for picnics and fairs and generally enjoying the wonderful summer weather, once it made its way to us.

Despite enjoying the summer, I am eagerly anticipating the resumption of a schedule.

Moreover, now that the school year has begun we have a lot to look forward to. My children are among 400 others who will be attending a brand new Durham Region school. It’s very exciting to look forward to new teachers, new equipment, new mascot, a new gym, new everything. In fact, I have spent the better part of August encouraging my children to be excited about it.

Despite the newness of everything, one thing that will require some adjustment is the revised start time. The new school will feature an 8:30 a.m. start time. Hello 6:30 starts for Mommy! For those who commute to Toronto everything, this is nothing new. It’s definitely going to keep me on my toes. And the best part, the kids are old enough to get involved in the entire process. Laying out clothes, helping prepare lunches, packing knapsacks...things that have been done by me will now require a team effort to get out the door by 8:15 a.m.

It’s going to require a lot of organization and a lot of patience but we can do it. So as the troops rally for the first day of school, moms, dads and kids, may the force be with you.

Of course those whose ‘children’ are leaving the nest may be left with a lot of time on their hands. Stay strong and try to remember the good times because they will always be a part of you and they will always need you. There will always be Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter.

Recall your first day of college or university. What images does it conjure up for you? I remember my first day of university. My first class was PHL 101: Introduction to Philosophy. Learning about Nietzsche, Plato and Socrates — it was an amazing time of discovery. Coming from small-town-Ontario, it was unforgettable. I cannot believe that took place nearly 20 years ago! Point is, it was the beginning of a whole new phase of life. You meet new people, you do new things and your mind awakens to new ideas. So exciting!

Remember that while you are feeling a little sorry for yourself in your now-quiet home. Your children are embarking on the adventure of their lives. And it could be an adventure for you as well! It could be a time to finally declutter, to sort out photo albums, to renovate a room, or maybe even travel somewhere exotic!

Have a little chuckle at this nugget of wisdom, written in 420 BC by the great Socrates: “Children today are tyrants. They contradict their parents, gobble their food, and tyrannize their teachers.”

Seems the more things change the more they stay the same..

Happy Back to School!