School Thoughts: Embracing the Time You Have

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I never imagined the day would come when I would send my youngest off to school. Even though we're only talking about preschool, it's still the beginning of the "school years," and as parents, we all know how quickly those years pass by. It honestly feels like yesterday that I dropped my oldest off for his first day of preschool. I can remember the smile on his face, his brand new backpack that was three times too big, the anxiety in my stomach and the hustle and bustle of the classroom. It seems like yesterday, but that same little boy is now a tall third grader who stands next to my shoulder. His backpack is no longer too small and his smile has become laughter and giggles that he shares with friends on the playground. Inside jokes that I don't understand. Suddenly, the kisses goodbye have disappeared and I'm lucky if I get a wave before he runs out of the car and into school.

So how do we embrace these early school years? How do we hold onto each moment and each small detail before they slip away?

I'm not sure there is a concrete answer to that question, but the answer I discovered is embedded in time. The time we spend with our children. Most parents out there are all in the same boat. Our days are filled with rushing here and rushing there, homework, sports, laundry, lost water bottles, lost jerseys, piano lessons, ballet lessons, later dinners, messy kitchens and the list goes on. Pair this chaos with life and jobs and the thought of time quickly goes out the window.

Somehow, though, we need to learn to slow down. For the sake of our children, we need to slow down and embrace every moment we have with them. We need to make those moments count. Spending twenty minutes with your child, fully engaged and focused on them, is far better than spending an hour with them your with phone by your side or running off to cook dinner. Taking a half-hour break during the day or after school to spend time in the park can be rewarding for both parents and children. Taking time period is important.

So how do I embrace the school years? I take time and enjoy them. I get as involved as I can with my children's activities and events, I volunteer in the school, I pop into the classroom, I sit and listen to their stories and I listen to their days. I know this time with them won't always be at my fingertips, so for now, I clench it as tightly as I can and pray that some of it stays forever.

*This post is in partnership with Stuck on You
Stuck on You provides name labels, personalized gifts, kids clothing, gifts and more. As a busy mother of three, Stuck on You has helped my life become a bit easier. When you enter our mud room you'll quickly notice a line of labeled backpacks and labeled lunches, you'll see soccer bags and uniforms with name labels ironed on the inside, you'll see labeled water bottles and even labeled shoes. When you have three active children, all involved in sports, labeling items becomes essential!

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