Back-to-School Clothes for Mommy

If you’re like most of my mommy friends, you're getting ready for the kids to start school again. Whether it’s with a tear in your eye or a sigh of relief, the start of each school year represents an exciting new beginning for our children (even if they complain about it). It’s the start of nine months of constantly learning new stuff: from the scientific names for favorite animals to more mature interpersonal skills. Our children are sponges soaking up increasingly complex information.

But does that sponge ever grow full? I don’t think so. And, as adults, I believe that we yearn for new beginnings, too. Fresh starts don’t have to be scary changes to our grown-up lives like the end of marriages or changing careers or even moving to a new place. A fresh start for us moms can be as simple as starting a new season of learning with our children.

Your child’s plate will be full this year with the 3 r’s: reading, ‘riting and ‘rithmetic. So why not take this chance to refresh your readin’ , writin’ and math skills, too? My guess is, your sponge is a bit dry like mine, worn out from a long, hot summer.

As your children begin a new year, why not try a new season of adult enrichment with me? (New outfits, shoes and bags are a bonus!)

· Read something enriching every day; at least as much as your eldest child is required to read for school. Gossip/celebrity magazines, romance novels self-help books and the back of the cereal box are not on the list of “enriching” things I have in mind here! If your older children are reading novels you missed (or weren’t written yet) when you were young, read the same books they are. Not only are you reading along, but this will give you something to talk about with your child (and help you proof their book reports)

· Sit down with pen and paper for a few minutes every day. Emails, Facebook, Twitter and even blogs don’t count! Practice your penmanship while writing a short, thoughtful note to a loved one. If you made a list, there is probably a different person in your life for every single day of the school year who would smile upon receiving a single paragraph from you. Simply tell someone you are happy they are part of your life – in writing, every day. These notes will be cherished, and will help you practice “writing.”

· Now for the arithmetic. Math. Many of you are thinking “EWWWW.” But this is easier than you think – you don’t even need to get out your calculator.
o First, subtract a bad habit or harmful behavior from your life each week. I hate to say it, but if you get into the details, you probably have enough of these for every week of the school year. I do. For example, cut back on the junk food. Spend less time being critical of yourself and others. Don’t complain about your spouse. Spend less money on things you don’t really need.
o Second, add a good behavior each week. Drink more water. Forgive people who’ve hurt you in the past. Donate your stuff or your time to charity. Get some exercise. Give someone unexpected praise. Pray.
o Then, if you make an effort to focus on one behavior to add and one to subtract each week, the math is simple. The happiness in your home will be multiplied; yours and your family’s.

This reading, writing and arithmetic sounds like a lot, doesn’t it? Especially if you’re a mom who has to take care of the family and work outside the home, but think about how much your children are really asked to do. They get up early, spend 6 – 7 hours at school, go to any number of extracurricular activities and then do homework! Throw in a few chores, too!

If you continue your education with your children, you will not only find that it’s fulfilling, but you’ll be showing your children, by example, how much fun readin’, writin’ and ‘rithmetic can be. And no will ask you for your report card at the end of every six weeks.