Today is the day I need to get motivated to organize for the start of school. I have avoided it long enough, pretending that summer was still in full swing. The thing is it has been a fantastic summer. Not too many activities. Lots of time for fun and relaxing. For the first time ever I am not at all excited that school is going to start. Last year really took a lot out of me. I found school to really be a grind. I realize that the kids are the ones who actually go but we had an enormous amount of homework and Mom-needs-to-be-at-school activities. So much so that I felt like it was as much my job as the kids. It struck me that if a child didn't have a parent who was entirely committed to their schooling they could easily be left behind. Really. It was that much of a commitment. Hours every night and many weekends as well. I take very seriously my job of parenting my children and don't complain about what it entails. But I have to admit that it was distressing the pace set for the kids. We ended up eliminating many extra-curricular activities because of the volume of homework and school projects. I want my kids to be successful, as any parent does, but I was left wondering what race we had entered. I am going to be taking a hard look at my children's schedules this year and I am determined to speak up if things get as pressured and intense as they did last year. I guess it depends on the definition of success. My definition does not include stressed and pressured children with more work than they know what to do with. 6 1/2 hours of school and another 2 of homework. My kids had days last year where not only did they do homework in the evening...they got up in the morning to finish before going to school. Something is wrong with that. Okay. Off my soapbox. But I have to say I have dreaded school supply shopping all summer and now it is here. From when I was a child until last year it has always been one of the most exciting and fun times. New shoes. A brand spakin' new box of crayons. A new lunch box. But not anymore. Times have certainly changed.
By the way. The super duper digital graphics above are from the ever so delightful Mo. I adore her designs. It is so each to put together a layout or tag or whatever. So fun. Thanks for the doo dads Mo!!
I hear you on the school work thing!! My kids had hours of homework last year (which means I had hours of homework).I do wonder sometimes why ALL the work, is it necessary, what about playtime? I think they learn a lot playing, cooking, drawing, etc. Honestly, my oldes son figured out fractions better from cooking than from a book!
We need to spend the next week school shopping too before our vacation. Luckily my husband is home for the week, so we can divide and conquer! Have a great weekend!
Posted by: Jackie | August 12, 2006 at 02:16 PM
My oldest starts kindergarten this year - you're scaring me! I think it's ridiculous for kids to have that much home work. When do kids get to play? Play time is very important!
Posted by: beki | August 14, 2006 at 08:48 AM
woooooohoooo! i don't think those doo dads have ever looked so smart! thank you for takin such good care of em and showin em off this way! can't think o a better compliment than seein em in action!
your fan,
mo
Posted by: mo jackson | August 15, 2006 at 01:06 PM