What I'm Not Going to do This School Year

I am going to do a few things differently this school year

Only four more days until the new school year for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. I love summer and all it's hot days and humidity, chlorine and sand, sticky popsicles and ice cream, but juggling camp and work schedules I'm over. I'm ready for routine again, much like these Fort Mill moms who celebrated a few days ago with some morning mimosas.

This year my son enters first grade. I now know the ropes at his elementary school after a year of kindergarten, and am going to do a few things differently this year, starting with what I'm not going to do! I'm not going to …

1. Worry about lunch. I'm a believer in balance in everything, including what you eat, but if I don't have a vegetable and fruit to put in his lunchbox, it's OK. And if he wants peanut-butter and jelly sandwiches three of five days, so be it. We'll make up the difference at dinner.

2. Limit snacks. After this summer of running around at camps and days spent at the pool and with friends, he has a new level of love for snacks. Last year, we had a limited supply of snacks that were in rotation. I'm filling up the pantry and fridge this year with lots of healthy snack options, and when he asks for something to snack on, he will know where to find it. Easier for me and him.

3. Over commit. I am due to have a baby this fall. As much as I want to help out with every party at school and try to do it all, I can't this year especially. This year it's about prioritizing.

4. Be a distracted parent. Once upon a time, phones were land lines and constant communication didn't exist. I'm going to pretend this is the case in the evenings at home after school so I can spend time with my husband and son, reading, talking doing whatever. As a working momma, it's our time and the other stuff can wait.

5. Forget about me. I will be sure to make time for me, whether it's gym time, date night with my husband or time with friends. This is important and keeps me sane, and fits in the priority list.

Now here's what I will do:

Be sure and give my son a big hug before he gets on the bus each day. 

Go for walks and bike rides after dinner.

Listen to what he has to tell me after school each day. Small talk is important.

Read bedtime stories with him.

Eat ice cream with him, because he loves it and I'm pregnant!