Back to School is here! God Bless the USA and the pocketbooks of parents who are counting the costs of registration fees and supplies. My son Caden will be in 4th grade and daughter Cyia will be in 1st grade. I am proud of them both. I usually reflect on how they've grown out of their clothes from last school year as well as how they've grown from the last grade level. I've watched them lose teeth and their baby faces since starting elementary school. We always share with them that the higher the grade level, the greater the responsibility and school work. Caden experienced this in 3rd grade and it was a bit of an adjustment for him. He had his share of challenges but he is ready for the next level.
In our school district and probably all school districts, the higher the grade level the higher the fees and the more Caden’s supplies will cost. This is where we as parents need to go to the next level in our budgeting and planning. Since I'm no longer a rookie, I should not stress about the pressures of back to school registration and school shopping. Do I still stress? Yes! I'm just saying I should not. I am not much of a shopper and these things can get overwhelming for me. Then I thought to myself...if I expect the children to mature with each grade level then so should I.
Every year I know this is coming yet I dread it.
It's time for me to move to the next grade. I've been receiving assignments that require more of me...more prayer time, reading, studying, organizing, preparation, writing, and more. Children are taught the importance of being focused and paying attention while in school. Even though they're tired or distracted by something, they still understand that there is no excuse for not getting their work done. We are required to do the same.
What we learn as we grow and go to the next grade is that major responsibilities, increased workload, mental challenges and sometimes discouragement will follow. When that level is completed, however, you and your child will have a great feeling of accomplishment. Now you have a different perspective and learned some lessons to share with the ones in the grades under you.
Be excited for your new level and continue to grow. Be sure to remember that with new levels come new challenges – and it happens every year. How can you better prepare for it so that it won't overwhelm you? Pay attention to what’s coming. Stay focused on where you are going.
Candice Payne is a blogger for the Superwoman Sanctuary and host of The Woman Cave Show on The BOLD Movers Network.
SUPERWOMAN SANCTUARY
STAY FOCUSED ON YOUR NEW LEVELS TOO!