Back to the old routines

Well, summer vacation has officially come to its close, though there’s still a few weeks left in the season itself, and Wednesday was certainly a rush at the schools with parent drop offs, kids finding classrooms and teachers working to get everything situated.

I’ve heard some parenting advice two different ways. One is that it gets easier watching each successive child head to their classroom for the first official day. I’ve also been told that seeing the youngest head off on that new adventure is the most difficult and emotional.

I didn’t know into which category I’d fall into Wednesday morning, watching my new kindergartner find his room and his hook, but I packed along some tissues just to be safe.

It’s interesting how much one can prepare for the big moments in life. Whether it’s heading back to school or graduation, starting a new career or something as simple as planning a few days of vacation. But when that big moment comes, almost always there’s going to be something you didn’t prepare for. Even if it’s something you’ve done a dozen times before, the old routines you’re used to can have their hiccups.

So, as the school year kicks off this week and getting back to the sense of routine is something of a comfort, be sure to anticipate the bumps along the way.

I’m sure all parents know full well that making sure your young ones have everything they need before they head off to school — completed homework, breakfast, clothes — can be something of a challenge. I encourage you to find a routine that works and stick to it.

For the teachers, more power to you if you can find a routine that works for every one of your 20-plus different students and personalities you’ve got in those classrooms.

Just think, only 39 weeks to go!