It is here.
The final countdown has begun.
Summer is fading, despite what the thermometer is showing.
It’s been fun, full of learning, and both large and small adventures.
This time next week, all four of our children will be in their third day of a new school year. The oldest is starting middle school and the youngest is starting kindergarten.
My mind is boggled by that.
There are concerns all over the place. Our two youngest still take 2-3 hr naps and need regular snacks. The oldest two are worried about bullies.
We’ve practiced locker combinations.
We’ve done a back-to-school morning routine practice run (complete with getting in the car and driving to schools).
It’s difficult, this watching them grow up… knowing that each step takes them closer to adulthood and all of its challenges.
But isn’t that a part of parenting, ensuring that they do just that?
They are brave and confident. And I am proud.
I’m thinking it will all work out in the end, just how it’s supposed to.
Love this post so much. The end of summer is always bittersweet. No one wants it (and all the fun associated with it) to end! Starting a new school year can bring along many challenges but also wonderful things. You are doing a great job preparing them for what lies ahead–both for the next year and their whole lives! I am so proud of you for doing the locker combinations and the practice run of morning routine. i wish I would’ve had that as a child. It would’ve eliminated a large portion of the anxiety I had. Focusing on the positive will make whatever happens not be so alarming. I do believe everything will work out as it was meant to, especially with a lot of help from YOU! ;-)
GAH! every step is so bittersweet…
Thank you, so much, for the encouragement and kind words. Parenting is filled with so many moments of wondering if you are doing the right thing! And we know that so much of what we do is so different, so that compounds it.
The locker combination practice has been a HUGE success!! In fact, the three oldest all know how to do it now!! lol :)