I know... it's not January 1st, but that date has always seemed like a false new year to me.
To me, the day after Labor Day - when summer unofficially ends, and people head back to school or ease back into their routines - is the real New Year.
Tomorrow is my kids' first day back at school after nine weeks of summer vacation. The start of a new school year brings a fresh sense of potential, optimism, and the wonder of what's to come. The beginning of fall is all about New: new grades, new beginnings, new teachers, new friendships, new clothes, new pencils....
When you're a kid, "back to school" can be the ultimate do-over.
As much as I'm excited for my kids, and looking forward to getting back into a routine, I think many parents will agree that this is a bittersweet time of the year. A new grade is a reminder that our children are a little bit closer to growing up and leaving home. That's the whole idea of parenting, after all.
Confession: I'm the mom who got all teary when I dropped my little kids off on their first day of kindergarten.
I've never felt like crying on the January 1st New Year's holiday (well, at least, not for the same reasons as the post Labor Day new year), so this must be a special season!
Whether you are headed back to school, or back to routine, I wish you health and happiness for this new year!
