To me, there are few things more exciting than an empty spiral bound notebook; pair that with a pack of new pens and, my goodness, the possibilities are endless! I love this time of year…an abundant selection of school supplies in every store, a clean slate of potential stretched out in front of me. It doesn’t get much better.
Maybe it is because I seem to have perpetually either been a student myself or a parent of a student that it seems only natural to me that my new year’s resolutions come not in January but in August with the beginning of a new school year. I can recall writing my name in each clean, crisp notebook and carefully wrapping each text book in custom book covers (typically left over paper grocery sacks decorated with colorful marker-drawn designs). With each preparatory task I would resolve to be more organized, take meticulous notes, do all of my homework at home rather than rushing through it in class and so many more heartfelt promises to make the upcoming school year run more smoothly than the last. Of course, like most new year’s resolutions, a couple weeks into the year, these resolutions would dim in the shadow of a hectic schedule.
As a parent, my resolutions look a little different but are born of the same spirit. I vow to do all I can to make this new year even better and more perfect than the last. I resolve to get up each morning to be sure a healthy breakfast is had by all. I will stay on top of homework, help whenever and however I am needed…maybe even sometimes when I am not needed. I will make sure that our family sits down together for a home-cooked dinner at our kitchen table at least four nights a week. I will be sure all permission slips are signed on time and projects are completed well before their due dates.
Yes, my parental resolutions are a bit different except one: I resolve to be more organized. That one remains the same every year, without fail. Unfortunately, I am sure I can count on another similarity between my industrious student resolutions and my supportive parental ones: A few weeks into the new year, these promises will be pushed aside in the chaos of football games, after school activities and a hectic schedule…until next year when we have the chance to start all over again.
