It’s hard to believe the first two weeks of the new school year are behind me. Twelve years in the back-to-school business qualifies me as a seasoned veteran, and I’m ecstatic to report this year will go down as the easiest to date. We’re doing so well it’s almost a shame to break the pattern for Labor Day tomorrow.
The initial days are always expectedly brutal – getting up early after lazy summer days is painful for all involved. And no matter how much I try to prepare ahead of time, I never seem to have everything they’ll need in the way of supplies and end up all over town the first week on a scavenger hunt of sorts. Then there’s all the paperwork to fill out. It is a beautiful thing, though, when your child is old enough (and motivated at the same time…it’s not common) to fill in the forms. All I had to do is peruse and sign. Thank you, Jarek.
Last year was my first year with three children at three separate schools. The morning-time logistics were a nightmare and transportation issues abounded. I guess it was the opening of Goose Creek Memorial that had the buses so messed up. We were on the cusp of having that lined out when Hurricane Ike hit; then we had to start all over. It was Thanksgiving before I had a morning that ran smoothly.
Expecting a repeat of last fall, I braced for many weeks of stress and walking kids into school tardy because I can’t be in three places at once after a single bus mishap. Much to my pleasant surprise, everything has been running like clock-work – even on the second day of school when delays are to be expected.
As the days flowed, I began to see that the three-campus thing has some incredible benefits that I didn’t take the time to enjoy last year as I became conditioned to dread school mornings. Since we’re settling quite nicely into a routine, I’ve discovered I can get the kids up at different times and don’t have to do the bounce-between-three-rooms thing. It’s nice.
Concentrating on one at a time allows me to work more efficiently and tailor the method to the kid – no more flipping the hall light on and standing in the center hollering at all three. One requires large explosives set off in his room just to get him to stir, another needs a little time and will not be rushed, and the youngest likes her back scratched while she comes to.
There’s no breakfast bickering because they rotate through the kitchen at different times. It doesn’t get much better than that.
They’re all leaving at different times, too. I wouldn’t go as far as saying that I hated the bus stop in previous years, but close. I always had at least two – they were usually fighting over something very petty – and I always felt bad when I sent them off on their day after snapping at one or the other if not both. That’s gone. The oldest drives himself to school and having two more to get ready and out the door doesn’t afford me too much worry time.
I’m noticing the beautiful sunrise each morning as I’m out waiting at the bus stops – sharing them with a couple of my favorite people. Even better than those paired with the phenomenal cooler weather we received last week, are the conversations I have with my middle child. Ten minutes doesn’t seem like long, but I get a good look at what makes him tick. Because I know those days are numbered, I don’t want the bus to stop.
© 2009 Natalie Whatley
September 6th, 2009 at 3:53 am
Ah, the empty nest syndrome is creeping up on you already…It happens. Enjoy them while you can.
September 6th, 2009 at 2:18 pm
Looks like you are back in the groove of things and all is well! Enjoyed it
.