School has already started here in Georgia! And I worked feverishly to ensure that we were prepared for the first day of school.
- We purchased school supplies. ““ check
- We bought a few new clothes to supplement the summer clothes they already have. — check
- We went to back to school night and met the teachers. It is important that the teachers know you are involved and that they have your support and that you are an advocate for your children. ““ check
- Signed up for the PTA and joined the Box Tops for Education Committee and the Environmental Education Committee. ““ check
- I even took the kids to the container store for a little back to school session on getting organized. —check
- We had a family meeting where we talked about our school and family goals for the year. The kids really surprised me by how well they were able to articulate their goals and how they were going to track their progress. —check
Sounds perfect, right? Well, keep reading.
The first day came, and the kids were so happy to be starting school and seeing their friends.
I put them on the bus and took my 4 year into the house because her preschool didn’t start for another 2 days. And, then I started my work.
By 10 am, I received a call from her preschool asking if she would be returning this school year. I said: “Of course, she will be there on Wednesday.” She said: “Mrs. Tyler, school started today.”
Oh my gosh, Oh my gosh, Oh my gosh….the mad rush was on to get her to school as soon a possible. I needed to take in a few more forms and proof of residence.. And oh, no..there was one more form that I needed to pick up from the doctor’s office that I had been meaning to pick up for days now.
So I raced around like a mad woman trying to pull it all together.
Whew, she is finally on her way to school. She is happy…and fly (that’s just her style.)
Please don’t ask me how I made that mistake. In the 19 years that I have been a parent, I have never missed the first day of school. But, there have been other things that I have mixed up and gotten wrong.
But hey, I can’t beat up on myself for not being perfect. And while I am desperately trying to get more organized, my ultimate goal is to be a mother that is present. Being present means that I am connecting with my kids both physically and emotionally. I am spending time with them each day and really listening to them as they speak to me. With my busy schedule, it takes work to make sure that I am present and not distracted by all of my responsibilities.
My goal is to be a loving, encouraging, and affectionate mother. Which means I send them to school each morning with a kiss. And, I remind them how much I love them and believe in them through words of encouragement and my actions.
So with all of that going on, who has time to be perfect?
BMWK ““ Please tell me that I am not the only mother/parent that get’s it wrong sometimes? With school starting over the next couple of weeks, please share with us all that you are doing to get your kids prepared for school?
Each new day provides you with an opportunity to have special moments with your family.
Disclosure: This post is part of a series that is sponsored by Hallmark and the Life is a Special Occasion campaign. All opinions and editorial content expressed are my own.
I’m sure you are not the only parent who’s made that mistake. The main this is you got her there.
Thanks Chasing Joy!
you are not the only one…worse has happened to me…you just smile and carry on!
you are so right…my husband and had a good laugh!!
Ronnie,
You are definitely not the only one. With juggling our own careers and managing a household, sometimes it’s easy to forget something. Your girls are adorable, and your little one looks so happy, I am sure she’s ok. This is just a funny memory you’ve created for your family. My oldest started school this week and my youngest starts after Labor Day and I am still in the organizing planning process. Still school shopping. But I will be ready.
Thanks Tiya…with each kid..it gets harder and harder to keep track of everything. But I think we are managing very well!
You are not the only one! I scheduled back to school physicals. While was certainly on time—I was 24 hours late. The appointment was actually scheduled the day before and it was in my calendar for the day before. But when you are juggling so much, with extra information, dates, forms, etc. on your mind, it easily happens. You are an awesome mom. And it allows your girls to see that there is no need to put extra pressure on ourselves. Girls tend to be perfectionists–especially those with accomplished mothers. We just have to relax, take a few deep breaths and carry on!
You said it exactly ” And it allows your girls to see there is no need to put extra pressure on ourselves.” I especially want to send the right message to them. I don’t want them growing up thinking they need to be perfectionists as you mentioned in your comment!!
Miss the first day of school?? Chile puhleeeze! How abt my daughter transferred from Catholic School to public school last year & she has yet to get her shots updated?? When I took her for her pre-school physical, they didnt have her med records on site and never made it back during the school year! Just SMH Between a full-time job, 2 grad classes, her school a very active church life & the fact we are on the bus trying to get it all done it is all just too much!!! LOLOL Oh, & did I mention forgetting to send lunch money for her reduced priced lunch?? Yea…. last year was a doozy!!! SMH
hats off to you for doing all that you do and take grad school classes!!
You guys have all girls?? I did not know that. Praying for Lamar in a few years…and any boys that come calling. 😉 Haha Your story is funny…not laughing at you, but with you…as I’ve had that happen, where you completely miss something or somewhere you are suppose to be, and the realization hits you…that warm almost burning feeling in your chest comes just as the panic sets in. NO, Ronnie you are not the only mom, OR dad, that makes mistakes! Thanks for sharing this story!
So Jackie..you also know about that burning feeling in your stomach/chest …..lol 🙂
This was a cute story. And the pic of your little girl’s smile makes up for the goof up.
Very good information. Lucky me I found your blog by
chance (stumbleupon). I have saved as a favorite for
later!