“I’ve had my limit!” Can school please start now?

School starts back next Tuesday for my kids.

Anyone else ready for their children to get back into school?

I wouldn’t have expected to be so happy about this. But our house has seemed even more chaotic than usual. I’m not sure that it’s actually that the kids are out of school. I think the strain is partially caused by the stress of preparing to go to school.

Beyond the usual requirements of getting school supplies and some added clothing items to round out their wardrobes, we also are dealing with three information day sessions we need to attend, band meetings, band camp, doctors’ appointments, daycare enrollment, transportation issues with busing my young son to and from daycare, freshman orientation, both daughters’ worries that they won’t have friends in their classes,  orthodontist and dentist appointments, approaching birthday party planning, passports for an overseas band trip …

And did I mention the frenzy of cash flowing out of our pockets to pay for many *incidental* things?

Last night, as my daughter asked me a question repeatedly after I had answered twice, I started to count to 50 … not 10, but 50.

At first, I thought, “What is happening to our family?” For several days we had all been snapping at each other, voices were being raised. Everyone, except maybe for the youngest member of our family, was ready to get away from each other.

Then, it occurred to me that maybe the stresses, anticipation, extra this and that were taking their toll.

So, yes, I think we’re ready to start school.

Then, we can deal with sleep issues, homework, ballgames, teacher conferences, lunches, juggling schedules and mealtimes …..

– Linda Lynn

LLYNN@OPUBCO.COM

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