I see parents doing that each year and think, how did we ever buy into this as a culture???
And as a former high school teacher, I cannot tell you how many good binders and school supplies are thrown out at the end of the year, sometimes even in the middle of the year.

In many ways I think kids have come to expect today that they get new stuff every September, but with many people’s wallets being the way they are and the way of the environment being the way it is, I think it is time that we bring back some more sustainable living.

As for rushing and such, you said it best when you said to plan ahead and I would add too, to be conscious. We can prevent a lot of craziness if we act consciously about what and how we want things to go.

@ Kathy: You’re right – they are SUPPOSED to leave and be on their own. Sigh.

@ Kim: I like your afternoon schedule very much! I could tell you’re organized too. I think freelancers have to be organized.

I am a morning person so I don’t have much trouble getting ready – I prefer doing the lunches and clothes in the morning. The only real problem is getting my daughter up – she loves to sleep.

We had to buy new clothes because she outgrew her ones from last year and her school has a dress code – she can’t wear what she’s been wearing all summer. We were really careful about our purchases and did really well on everything.

I also usually let her play before homework – we go to the park after school and then she works on her homework while I am making dinner. I don’t allow any television on school nights.

While I dread making the changes involved in her transition into adulthood – the alternative would be worse. I’m not talking death- I’m talking about the alternative of a overweight 40+ year old adult living in my basement and playing video games day and night!! ACK!

That thought will help me to dry my eyes and wave enthusiastically as she heads off to school!

My kids are still young so I don’t have much experience with getting the kids off to school; however, my 3 year old is excited because next week he starts his first week of “school”. That will be cool to see and video tape. Too bad he doesn’t get embarrassed yet.