A Life In Review

I wanted to write a back to school post. I wanted it to be fun and silly and then it turned into this. I am writing this both for parents that will read this and for students that will read this, so if you think this isn’t for you, I promise that it is.

1. Let Go of Your Expectations
   Parents: Let go of what you think will happen this year. I know that you have an idea of what you want for your kiddo, but put it down and let the year unfold. Don’t stress about what hasn’t even happened yet.
   Students: let go of the pressure that you have already put on yourself. School is just part of a very big life that you will live. It is an important part in the foundation of your early life, but still only a part.
2. Start Your Day Right
   Parents: That might mean getting up before the kids and getting your own routine going so that you can have some coffee in peace before the kids get up. It might mean prepping everything that they need the night before so that the morning is slower.
   Students: This means getting up in a timely manor. Being prepared ahead of time (homework done, clothes picked out if necessary). It means eating while sitting down and taking a minute to get ready instead of rushing out the door. If you are reading this you are old enough to manage your time.
3. Make Time for Each Other
   Parents: Whether you both work or just one of you, life is about to get crazy again and it’s so easy to get lost in life. Be intentional this school year even if you have to schedule family time once a week.
   Students: I know how busy your schedule is, but this is time that you will never get back. Take the time, no matter how lame you think it is, to spend just one night a week (or however your family decides to do it) with everyone together. Be a good sport about it.
4. Whatever You Sign Up For Give It Your All
   Parents: If you sign up to help out with something for your kids this year, that is awesome, just make sure that you are giving it your all. Don’t sign up and then not show up. Be present with them this year even if you don’t have much time to give.
   Students: If you sign up for something this year, give a real shot. Try it out and do your best. If you hate it, you really don’t have to do it again. Learn what you like to do through this.
5. Learn to Say No
   Parents: While I still fully agree with number 4, I also encourage you to learn to say no this year. If you, or your child, truly don’t want to do an activity, it’s okay to say no. Even if all of their friends are doing it. If your child comes to you and says that they want to quit something that they have been doing for a while, be open to hearing them out. Guide them through it. Teach them how and when to say no.
   Students: Even if you have done an activity your whole life, if you are not enjoying it and it isn’t going to get you a scholarship, chat with your parents about saying no. No is a powerful word when used correctly and respectfully. Learn how to use it while you are young. You do not have to do every activity that your peers are doing. Find something that you enjoy and do that.
6. Let Go of GPA Pressure
   Parents: This goes against everything that most of us were taught. It was pushed into us that GPA’s were the most important thing our kids would gain in school. That they needed it for work and for their futures. While they still need it for college if you are looking to go to a higher level school, MOST of our kids don’t need a 4.0 to be successful in life. So take the pressure off.
   Students: This is not me giving you permission to slack off, but rather to stop obesseing over a number that won’t matter past college. I can promise you that in the real world, no one can tell the difference between a 4.0 student and a 3.0 – 3.5 student. What they can tell, is how hard of a worker you are.
7. Try Something New
   Parents & Students: This is super generic mostly because I don’t know what your lives look like. Just make it a goal this school year to try something new. Whether that is a new sport, a new book, a new food, a new friend. Put yourself out there and try. Let this year be an opportunity for something different to happen.
8. Support a Friend
   Parents: This one will take your help if you have little ones, but the goal is to pick a friend (or two) and let them know that they are supported. You could pick one of your friends and attend her their child’s band concert. You could do school pick up for someone else to give them a break for a day. Find a way to support a friend this year even if it’s just for a day.
   Students: I know that it feels uncool to step outside of your circle, but most of us have friends in all sorts of circles. If you have a friend who plays basketball, go to a game. If you have a friend in the theater, go see the play. Support each other. School won’t last forever, but you can learn how to be a good friend right now before you become an adult and find it hard to make friends (if you don’t believe me, ask your mom).
9. Remember that School is important, but it’s just PART of life, it is not their/your whole life.
   Parents & Students: School feels like the biggest part of life right now. For my family, we are just starting our school journey, but something I want to remember is that school is just PART of our life. It’s just PART of what my daughter does, it is not our whole life. Remember to live and do things that have nothing to do with school. While school is an important foundation, it is not the end all be all for your life.
10. Create a School Year Time Capsule (This one is stolen from One Tree Hill, IYKYK)
    Parents & Students: Parents, PLEASE tell me you have seen this show and know what I am talking about?! If you don’t though let me explain. Right before school starts, get together with your kiddo(s) and write down your expectations for the year. What you think will happen, what you hope will happen. Then you can tuck them away until the last day of school. It’s nothing major or serious, but it’s fun and that sounds like a great way to start a new year.

I am nervous to start the year with my baby, but I am also excited and ready to support her. I wrote this for myself as much as I wrote it for all of you. I hope that you have a fantastic school year and that everything you hope for, happens. Parents, I hope you feel supported this year and that you find some rest in another busy season.