Back to school

This post is for all of the moms.

Recently I read an interesting article: Let it Go (Stephanie Eckelkamp) in babytalk magazine.

This article states that the most unhappy women are perfectionist. Now, raise your hand if you look like superwoman to everyone but you know that you only do it all because you are a control freak? Don't feel judged. I know this, because I am a control freak too. The article suggest that we slack a little. My room looks a little messy right now and it will be a mess until later. I am okay with that after sitting and braiding my daughter's hair for three hours. We are not advocating for hoarding-like conditions and bathrooms that aren't cleaned regularly but we are advocating for a community approach to the home. How old are your kids? Whatever the age, they can help to keep the house clean. Teach young children how to put their toys away, older children how to fold and put away their clothes, place clothes in hampers, pick up after themselves, and keep their rooms neat. This is good for critical thinking. Share chores, let the kids eat cereal or something simple once in a while. Alternate attending school/extracurricular events with others, say no to some kids events, and realize that your home doesn't always have to be spot clean.

Why am I talking about any of this as it relates to back to school? Because we are our children's first teachers. "Too much emphasis on perfection will stress kids out" (Eckelkamp, 2012). It will stress you out too. It is not good to teach kids that they have to be perfect because mommy or dad wants things perfect. High stakes testing is already stressing our kids out. Heck, we have preschoolers being held back in preschool. What? Instead, tell them to do their best, study, and learn everything they can about a topic. Tell them they do not have to get A's on everything. Tell them that mistakes are great because we learn from them and that you will love them no matter what.

Stay informed and have a great school year!