Indian summer ahead

That’s what we called the perfectly lovely days of September when I was a kid. It’s not easy to go back to school at summer’s end when the weather is still so nice out, but somehow generations of children manage to be put in motion and new schedules organized.

My thought in reading the opening paragraph of Carolyn Waterbury-Tieman’s piece in this month’s issue was about what kind of school supplies are needed in this digital age? It can’t be the same list we were given so long ago. Hopefully the list is getting shorter and shorter, because the list I was handed at one point was remarkably long. We even had to bring in basic supplies because being a public school parent, it was required. I believe it still is. You’re given a shopping list at the beginning of the semester. Perhaps it is in private schools and charters as well. Hopefully someone will drop me a line about that.

Anyway, the start of a new school year brings new routines and with so many working parents the need for after school programs. It’s a good thing and there are lots of options to choose from and this issue offers many of them. Be sure to check out our special section for Fall Activities.

For me, there was the anticipation of separation the first time my daughter went to school. I’ve mentioned it before in these columns. I hope the transition for all your new students to perhaps new programs, new schools or new neighborhoods is as seamless as possible. Often I think it’s worse for the parents, and speaking of parent’s responsibilities, we have an interesting piece on the 12 tips for taming parental lateness. Getting organized is key, and Denise Yearian offers some great advice. Be sure to check it out.

I had the pleasure and challenge of years of being a working Mom. Still do. We manage to find a way. My working Mom did, and I guess I learned a lot from her about running a household and juggling. She was a super Mom. I just didn’t realize it at the time. She got up really early every morning and had good lunch boxes packed for us and was starting to prepare dinner at dawn. Somehow she managed, and so did I. My daughter is herself a lovely young woman who works and is figuring out how to balance work, a relationship, yoga, the gym and time for herself and friends.

Remember all the time that you are a role model and that the rhythms you put in motion will be carried over and copied. We always have to keep in mind that we will be emulated whether they know it or not. We grow up and become in so many ways our parents and so will your kids. Make your example as close as you can to your ideal.

Have a great month. Happy Labor Day and Happy New Year to those who will celebrate Rosh Hashanah and the new year of 5776.

Thanks for reading.