School busses. First day. Nervous parents. Tired little ones. I don't envy you. But then again. In a small way. I do.
My little light began college today. She picked out her outfit. Sent me a video of her doing life. Without me. I wasn't there for the first day of school this time. Apparently it's frowned upon in college. Who knew right? 🤣
90 percent of me is thrilled. I absofuckinglutely do not miss the everything of it all. She was homeschooled for most of her life. It was the best gift I gave her. Freedom to learn in a way that wasn't regimented. It's when she chose to go into regular school that things got interesting for lack of a better word.
So. For the parents with babies in school here is my unsolicited insight.
1. Make sure you prioritize your rest.
2. Dont even get mad anymore. Take away ALL the power cords to all their electronics. Leave them the devices. Watch them suffer as the battery dies down to nothing. They will rue the day they didn't remain accountable or tried you. Trust me. It's a fabulous reprieve simply saying no when they begin to beg for deliverance.
3. Have that drink just because...
4. Go get something to eat from your babies favourite place to eat ALONE, take pics, send them to your children and gloat. Bring them nothing back that time either. Sometimes we have to remind these degenerates that we make the money to spend how we wish. We are not their best friends with deep pockets they can mooch off of all the time. I mean get a job already will you! 🙄
5. When they <TEENAGERS> ask can they go out with their friends but you have to take them. Say ok. Do just that. And take them to the playground. Make it a good one also. Something that you can't even deny jumping in to explore. Oh they will not be happy. But. Give it time. Eventually their feral senses will realign and they will engage in playfulness. Running and screaming like they used too. Burning up energy. So that when you get home. They are exhausted. Quiet. Eat. Clean up. And go to bed. Then BAM! You got the night to do whatever it is you want in peace.
6. If you like other school parents, unlike me. That's cool. But. Do yourself a solid. Keep them out of your house. Believe me. You don't want those prying eyes around your sacred space. Maybe you do. That's cool. But. I say no. Don't.
7. Never sign up for anything. Just show up if you can to be supportive. Making promises when you're already overwhelmed isn't fair to you. But surprises, man that look on your babies face is priceless. Yes they may be disappointed if you can't come to some things. But it's better than making a promise and not meeting it when you just keep it real with them.
8. Allow your babies to stay home once in a while. When my daughter attended regular school I'd keep her home once a month. Just because. And it would be a day for us. No plans. Just whatever. Mental health days matter. Doing them with your babies is a blessing. But also have your own selfish mental health alone time as well. They don't have to know. Or gloat shamelessly like I do...
9. Meal kits for budding chefs are super fun. It teaches them independence. And how to pace themselves safely in the kitchen. Let them practice. I can't tell you how many delicious meals I enjoyed that I never had to prepare. They want to be praised. They want to be crowned as the best chef in the crib. It matters. And not having to cook matters to us as parents. We deserve to be catered to. If stroking their little ego is the price. Pay it!
10. Admit to your babies that you are just as confused as they are about life and how to live it. Advise them that you yourself are still a novice at life and are imperfect. Ask them to give you a little grace. This right here is an amazing tool. Why because it allows your offspring to gain perspective outside themselves. It encourages empathy. Critical thinking. Reason. This way you can be imperfect together. But you are also accountability partners, cheering each other on. Bridge the communication gap and just be free to fuck up once in a while. Your babies will respect you as a human being first. Realising that parent is only a title for the person doing the job.
Take what resonates or not. It's just my 5 cents...
Xx
