Every milestone in my children’s lives are a turning point for me as a mother: first solid food, first step, first time eating a cupcake… (not necessarily in that order every time). It serves as yet another reminder that they’re getting older, and I’m getting “wiser”.
The biggest struggle I have with holding a full-time job is the fact that I miss out on some of those milestones. The most recent is the up-coming school year for Ad, who will be starting Kindergarten! With her daily school schedule of only 3 hrs, it’s really hard to arrange a working schedule around that and some of the Kindergarten time slots will actually take place right smack dab in the middle of my work day. Therefore, in my mind, I feel that I will be exempt from her exciting new school year!
The only thing pulling me through are the other ways in which a working mom can be involved with their child’s school experience:
* Maximize the times you have to prepare for school: picking out school supplies, backpacks, clothing, and shoes. 
* Do things you wouldn’t normally do on a shopping trip: try on some crazy shoes just for fun, take your pictures in a $3 instant photo booth, break up your day with lunch at a fun restaurant/food court shop, and definitely make time for a treat when you’re finished!
* Attend Back to School night with your child and make a special night of it. (if that means another cupcake, so be it) 
* Whether you’re able to drop off your child to school on that first day or not, take pictures before you leave for work. It’s still “officially” the first day of school and you’ll have them dressed and ready to go.
Above all, the idea is the quality of time spent with your child/children. Even if you can’t provide transportation to/from school, as long as they know their mother supports them in other ways, they can get through this. YOU can get through this.
Actually, what I should be chanting is: “I can get through this!”
And I just love this video clip as a reminder of our role in our little ones’ lives.
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
I think any occasion calls for a cupcake.
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Beautiful thoughts my sweet friend!
You are doing such a great job of being a mom.
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I agree with Tauna. I love the video. Maybe I should take out my ear buds when I’m with the grandkids! I’ll try to do better!
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You know your girls are so lucky that you think about this. That you love and care and have such a big heart that you pay attention to all of these things.
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The great thing about when school starts is that there are a few hours that you aren’t technically losing out on time with your girls. So now there are 3 hours fewer that you are missing with Ad. And it looks like you have done a great job of making the first day special.
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My little Lolly is starting kindergarten this year as well, but at our school it is all day. She’s totally fine with it, but I’m a little freaked out. Since she’s in school all day, I plan on making her lunch special with an occasional treat, little notes from mom, etc. I think what matters most is that they know that you love them and are thinking about them even when they’re not with you. I’m willing to bet that your girls already know all that. Sadly, I don’t think a cupcake would survive the trip to school in a lunch box.
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You are one of the most amazing Mom’s I know. You are so thoughtful and make every moment count.
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Great ideas! I was able to be home for my kids’ first day today, but will be starting my early classes tomorrow. Hopefully I can stay involved through the school year even though I can’t help at school often like I am used to.
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I <3 you. After surviving Savannah's first day of school…I need a cupcake!
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um, did my comment not go through?
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