Back to School Chaos: Surviving the First Month
Well, we’ve made it! One month into the school year, and honestly, I think I deserve a medal. No, seriously, a medal, or at least a cup of coffee I can finish while it’s still hot, and without having to wake up at dawn for it. It’s only been a month, and my youngest is already two viruses in, poor little guy. I had big plans, the boys would go to school, I’d dive into working on my business, work a shift at the school, hit the gym three times a week, create these delicious dinners and finally have a clean house. If you’re anything like me, a mom juggling three boys, this first month has been equal parts excitement, exhaustion, some setbacks with my plans and pure chaos. Let’s just say, school mornings are not for the faint of heart.
The Morning Rush - Picture this, three boys, each with their own unique personality, all needing to be up, dressed, and fed before 8 AM. Oh, and don’t forget the dog, who insists on digging up the backyard and then racing through the house like a tornado. You’d think we’d have it all down to a science after a month, but nope! There’s always one who’s moving at turtle speed, someone spilling yogurt, or another panicking over a missing fidget toy that he definitely can’t go to school without. Somehow, though, we manage to get out the door, mostly presentable, except for me, of course, looking a bit frazzled, as usual.
Lunchbox Roulette - Packing school lunches has turned into quite the adventure. A snack that was a favorite yesterday suddenly becomes "gross" today, and heaven forbid I send the same sandwich two days in a row. I've tried to get creative, cutting sandwiches into fun shapes, adding googly eyes, but my “too cool for that” boys are over it. Well, at least my youngest still falls for the cuteness, though he eats like a grown man with the appetite to match! Today’s lunch? A mix of yogurt, Cheerios, Goldfish crackers, some fruit and veggies and a sandwich (no googly eyes this time). The big question remains: will they eat it, or will it come home untouched? Honestly, I’m seriously considering switching to hot lunches at this point. It might be cheaper than putting time and money into lunches that don’t even get eaten!
Homework Hustle - Ah, homework. Thankfully, none has come home yet this year, but I’ve been warned, come October, it will come in waves. So, wish me luck when the nightly battle begins—wrangling the boys, convincing them to focus, and trying to explain and teach math equations, even if they think it’s "boring."
After School Activities - After school activities are a whole other level of chaos. Between martial arts, parent council meetings, playdates, and various events, our calendar is constantly full. I’m still trying to master the art of being in two places at once, especially when all three boys have things happening at the same time. Thankfully, my husband and our family have been a huge help in getting everyone where they need to be.
The Bright Side - Despite the chaos, it’s been a good month. Watching my boys grow, make new friends, and get excited about what they’re learning has made all the craziness worth it. Sure, there are moments when I question my sanity, but at the end of the day, their hugs and stories make it all worthwhile.
So, here’s to all the moms out there surviving the back-to-school madness! We’ve made it through the first month—now, let’s see what the rest of the year has in store.
XO,
Sandra