Moms Celebrate Back-To-School Bliss

Moms Celebrate Back-To-School Bliss

Back-to-School Bliss

I don’t know who coined the phrase “lazy summer days”, but I’d like to meet that person and ask how it’s done. Then lock him in a room with my mischievous munchkin from June to August and see just how lazy he feels.

For a parent, there’s hardly anything lazy about summertime. It’s 70 days of extended, noisy car rides; hauling suitcases packed with gear; getting to and from sports practices, dance recitals, music lessons, camps or all of the above; bedtime struggles when the term “school night” no longer applies; weary, worried eyes tracking constant activity; and scorching afternoons standing in line at overpriced, overcrowded amusement parks.

So when I overheard a mom ask if anyone would like to join her for a margarita at 8 in the morning just after dropping off her kids to their first day of school, I did not judge. In fact, I would have happily joined her. And I found myself staring down those who gave her sideways, disapproving glances.

After all, it’s hard keeping the kiddos entertained while juggling household and work responsibilities. And even more difficult maintaining sanity after hearing, “What are we going to do today, Mom?” every morning ad nauseam.

Don’t let anyone make you feel guilty when your fussy pants tots finally strap on their backpacks, and you delight in that beautiful bell announcing it’s time for class. A sound that once commenced six hours of academic lockup now signals freedom.

In fact, I don’t mind scrambling to assemble healthy school lunches that, despite my best efforts, my son will likely attempt to trade for sugary snacks. Or fighting supermarket crowds to purchase paper, pencils and other classroom paraphernalia. Or taking an extra two to six hours trying to relearn quadratic equations so my son can turn in his second grade homework (what the heck happened to counting on fingers?).

All this heralds a daily break from parental duties. And, as much as I love my kid, I need a little time to myself to recharge and regain composure after bombardment from almost constant kiddie drama.

Of course, I’ll no doubt fill my newfound freedom running errands, squeezing in extra office hours and cleaning disheveled spaces without a “Mom, can you get me…” or “I’m bored” or “Brandon keeps poking me”. But perhaps this year, I’ll take some time to read a good book, indulge in a new hobby or maybe just get that margarita and see what this whole “lazy days” thing is all about.

Happy Thoughts

Here’s a mom who knows how to celebrate the end of summer: Mommy Happy Dance. What are ways you’ve indulged in some mommy time during the school year?