Enough About the The Kids...
I've been perusing all of these back-to-school articles. If I see one more photo of a big yellow school bus I think that I'm going to lose it.
Yes, our kids need the right lunchboxes. Paper bags just won't cut it.
Yes, our kids need the right school supplies. Yes, you should get them early and not at the last minute.
Dress your child nicely and no, don't spend too much money because yes, they will outgrow their clothing.
No, if they are teenagers they should not go to school too scantily-clad. School is a place to learn and we don't want the scantily-clad girls distracting other students.
Yes, you should set up a homework routine for your child. And yes, you should make sure that they are not over-scheduled because that could lead to stress, anxiety, and eventually to a therapist visit during which you may be told that you are not only pressuring your child, but that you are also attempting to live vicariously through her.
And make sure that your child has enough free time. Let him ride his bike, but no, don't let him ride his bike without a helmet. Allow free time, but not too much time on the Internet. And on and on this list goes....Yes to this... No to that...
This brings me to a very important question that I think has been woefully neglected.
Moms -- what are you going to wear on your kids' first day back-to-school? After all, you haven't seen many of these other mothers and their children for weeks and maybe even months.
Say yes to looking neat and tidy. You want to give the impression that you are an organized person who runs an organized home, which is a safe home for other kids to visit.
No, you should not look disheveled even if you feel stressed because that might imply that you are frazzled and not a good mom.
Yes, you want to wear a smile so that you are seen as warm and friendly.
No, you don't want to wear a very serious expression and get labeled as a nervous type who might lose track of how many kids you are supposed to be driving home from school.
Yes, gym attire is okay as long as you don't look too eager to abandon your child and scream for joy about your freedom to go to the gym.
Say no to anything that might be considered sexy by anyone. It's not good to look hot because rumors may fly about where you are headed after that final wave as the school bus departs.
So, what are you going to wear on your child's first day back-to-school?
Barbara Greenberg and Jennifer Powell-Lunder are authors of the hit book, "Teenage as a Second Language: A Parent's Guide to Becoming Bilingual." They've set up an interactive website for parents and teens to listen, learn and discuss hot topics and daily dilemmas. You can find it at www.talkingteenage.com.
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