Green Bay Area Mom

Wrigley and Miller were our kids until they weren't. We welcomed a son and then a daughter and then two more sons. The attention given became less, but the love only grew. I didn't really view Miller as my child anymore. He was my trusted and beloved friend and counselor.

We did it.  We survived tent camping with three small children and a crazy dog.  We finished off our summer by packing the whole family and plenty of gear into our van, driving thirty minutes away (nice and close, just in case we had to abandon ship), and made a 30’ circle of dirt our home for a weekend.

Our reasons might be varied, but the sentiment is the same – back-to-school isn’t all fun times and freedom for emotional mothers. But take heart! There are steps you can take to beat the back-to-school blues.

I’ve been struggling with how to write this letter, because I know I cannot possibly understand what you go through every day. I can’t understand all the things you have to think about and worry about – things that, for me, aren’t “things” at all. Like going to a friend’s birthday party, heading out to a baseball game or eating lunch at school. For me, I only worry about the broad, sweeping safety issues and social implications. You have to worry about whether your child might accidentally ingest something that could make them very – even deathly – sick.

I know MANY parents are counting down the days until school starts in complete joy and jubilation! They are ready to be down with the summer sibling squabbles, the endless “Can I have a snack?” and “I’m bored”, and...

Yes, I know supply lists can be long and can get expensive. There also are often items that are very specific and difficult to find. BUT, the teacher has placed those items on the list for a reason - for your child to use while learning. If you decide to make negative comments about the supplies, how much money it’s costing, etc., your child may hear that their supplies are not important. Depending on what you say, it may just be subtle, but it’s not sending a positive message regarding school before school has even begun.

The news is booming this week and, unfortunately, it is filled with news of hate. It is a scary thought that there is still such hate in this world AND that there are individuals tolerating this extent of bigotry.  I can only wonder and worry - how do I keep my children sheltered and away from all the BAD?  My husband and I have talked a lot about that a lot this week.  Truth of the matter: we can’t shelter our kids.  We can’t let them walk through life with blinders.  So, what values can we instill in them to help fend off the bad?

The time to take care of our health and prevent diseases, like Alzheimer's is NOW.  What, you’re too young for dementia?  Most likely, yes, you are too young to have dementia right now (no, mommy brain doesn’t count).  But what you do now can affect your chances of getting dementia when you are older.  

It has been so rewarding to witness this community of parents come together to listen and support one another. And, every single day I am blown away by the fantastic group of contributors who take something none of us have enough of...time...to share their stories. Parenting can be overwhelming, but these voices let us know we are not alone. It's ok to struggle, cry, and to find humor in the imperfections of life. 

Friendship in the motherhood years can be challenging. Busy schedules, needy kids and “Mom Brain” can all contribute to our ability to connect or stay in touch with others. But one day, our lives will change. And we will need friends to support us, or just have fun with. So here are some tips to foster your friendships during this crazy busy time of life.