Whenever I hear “back to school,” it takes me back to when my children were young and going through the school years. Having four children, it was a busy time. Back to school meant getting back on schedules, new outfits and shoes and all new school supplies, and of course, a new backpack. I was a room mom for each of their classes, even though it was busy, I really enjoyed being involved in all of their activities. Looking back, I’m so grateful for all the memories I have from that time. At the time, I never really thought that these years were so limited; if I could share one thing with new parents it’s that this time flies. I see if now with my grandchildren—it’s like a time zone of where you are in your life, counting the years till they are on their own. Have you ever thought of that?
Looking back, I have no idea how I did everything I did, but I would love to have a do over knowing what I know now. When my kids were just born, nobody ever shared with me that you really only have them until they’re 18 years old and to cherish that time.
During this precious time, we are supposed to give them wings to fly and begin their own independent journey. I believe the thought of loving them like no other and then learning to let them go was really hard. Im sure you’ve heard many parents say, “I love the person that my children have grown up to be.” Well that’s exactly how I feel. If you’re just starting this journey, stop and smell the roses. Enjoy this time. All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten is a great book I recommend reading for some simple life lessons that we can really use throughout our life:
- Share everything.
- Play fair.
- Don't hit people.
- Put things back where you found them.
- Clean up your own mess.
- Don't take things that aren't yours.
- Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.
- Wash your hands before you eat.
- Flush.
- Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
- Live a balanced life—learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some.
- Take a nap every afternoon.
- When you go out in the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands and stick together.
- Be aware of wonder. Remember the little seed in the Styrofoam cup: the roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why, but we are all like that.
- Goldfish and hamsters and white mice and even the little seed in the Styrofoam cup—they all die. So do we.
- And then remember the Dick-and-Jane books and the first word you learned—the biggest word of all—LOOK.
It’s like waiting for your beautiful painting to be finished. Now I get to watch my beautiful grandchildren grow up.
Our greatest gifts in life are our children—don’t miss out! Truly embrace the brighter side of “back to school!”
Kim Pagano is brought to you by the award-winning talk radio station AM 1590 KVTA. She brings you the Brighter Side of the 805, Saturdays from 7 to 8 a.m., reminding us how important it is to "Look Good, Feel Good, Do Good." Subscribe to her podcast: ITunes/The Kim Pagano Show.