I'm enjoying my slow and easy transition back to school. Monday I had a half-day meeting. Today I'm home with the girls. Two days at school in my classroom and a family day out on Friday. Before everything officially begins next Monday.
I think I might meander over to school today to show my girls my new learning space and really see what I'm getting myself into. I packed up my room that I made a home for ten years and I'm moving into a smaller room. I'm actually excited about the transition. A fresh start. Newly organized. (That's the part I still need to accomplish this week.) And perhaps a little decorating. Nothing fancy.
I just said to a friend and colleague, Chris over at Reading Amid the Chaos, that this year seems different. I don't know what it is. I can't put my finger on it. I'm not nervous. I'm not worried. I'm pretty calm and ready to return when the day arrives. I'm feeling confident in my role and excited about the hopes of the school year. I'm in a good place right now.
Perhaps the last two years were difficult transitions with the girls -- that guilty gut-feeling leaving them as I returned to work. Yet, this year I'm ready to return without the guilt. I love my baby girls and we had many celebrations and great moments this summer, but there were many challenging days too. I think Chris mentioned this yesterday: I'm a better mother because I go to work. I can say that is fitting for me.
The days this week will go by and I'll try my best to hold onto this relaxing speed and pace as we transition into the school routine. But before I know it, I'll be a month into school, into that daily schedule that we all thrive upon wondering where those last summer days went . . .
"Holding on" is a great way to put it. . . What I will miss most is the slow pace and that there are no schedules ;-) I've told you many times, I am amazed how you do it all! See you in a few-looking forward to our "office chats" hugs...
ReplyDeleteBest of luck on your new school year. I always said I was grateful for my summers at home - they showed me that I cannot be a stay-at-home mom. My hat is off to those who can, I am a much calmer person when I can teach during the year and stay home in the summer. :)
ReplyDeleteI have always wondered how the slow and calm can turn into busy and hectic in such a short time. Holding on to the summer helps me a lot during the school, first it's the pleasant memories and then the dreams of a new summer. Then again, I wouldn't be able to live summer life all year long. No matter how stressful it gets, I need the mental push and learning that teaching requires. I wish you can sustain your confidence and excitement for the rest of the year.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what Chris had to say: "I'm a better mother because I go to work." Yes, there will always be that "guilt" for not being there with the girls, but they are gaining so much at their daycare and the summertime spent with you. It's always a challenge to balance home, family and work, but even tho there are times when you get frustrated, you manage to keep it all together. The house may be a mess with clutter all over, but you balance the important things. Hope you can keep the calm as school begins with a new room, new students and lots of confidence. Have a great week! Love ya, Mom
ReplyDeleteMichelle,
ReplyDeleteI was just talking to a friend of mine about this-we get the best of both worlds...I too am a better mom because I go to work! Iam on the middle of savoring our last week at home together for this summer...hope you are able to enjoy the last days too.
It is indeed a 'holding' week. We are back next week, but students don't arrive for another week-a long prep for us. Best to you, Michelle in your return & to the mixture of your life. It's nice to hear you are feeling calm & ready!
ReplyDeleteAh those last days of summer are both wonderful and bittersweet. I am feeling (sharing) them even though my "kids" are all grown up! I too was a better mother because I was a teacher and a better teacher because I was a mother - even though I am still working on "perfecting" both roles!
ReplyDeleteGood for you -- going back to work without the guilt. You have to do what works for you. Your children will admire you because you did what was best for you. If teaching makes you a better mom, then you should never feel guilty.
ReplyDeleteI'm always in count-up or count-down mode. Why do we count? (Something your piece leaves me thinking about.)
YOU I think we are better mothers when we listen to our inner voices and do what we feel is best. No easy answers, but our children know when we are happy, and being witness to a working mother is a powerful life lesson...especially for our girls.
ReplyDeleteI have no idea how that YOU got in there, Michelle! But the rest of it makes sense, I think....too many long hours at TC have finally caught up to me!
DeleteI'm SO excited that you are feeling calm and collected... may that wash over me this year. (Please bring chocolate to work) Hooray for finding balance as a working mother - each day will bring challenges and successes - that's what makes our lives as teachers and moms so exciting!
ReplyDeleteMy hat goes off to any mother of young children who work. I don't see how you do it. Enjoy your last few days with your girls.
ReplyDeleteHolding on to the last few days of summer... I had promised myself that I would spend this week in my classroom, but after a busy graduation weekend and a 4 1/2 hour drive home on Sunday, I just couldn't make myself go to school when Monday morning arrived. So I made a deal with myself and meandered down there Monday afternoon. I just arranged the desks and then left. Today, I was there for 3 hours. Tomorrow, 3 again. Maybe I'll be able to work up to 5 hours by Thursday and Friday! I'm following your lead as I hang onto the relaxing speed and pace of summer and take it slow and easy as I transition back.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree with you. Balancing the mom/work thing is hard, and I love my kids to the moon and back, but I still think I am a better mama when I am teaching. I love teaching! Enjoy your last few days at home with those girlies!
ReplyDeleteThese last few days of summer have been wonderful, but I'm ready to be back at school, too. After working with enthusiastic 1st grade teachers today on writing curriculum, I know it's going to be a great year. Wishing you the same!
ReplyDeleteCatherine