By now, all of the “back to school” sales and general buzz have died down, and we’re all supposed to be firmly in the swing of things. Hmm. If the scene at my local grocery store the other afternoon is any example, things are not swinging freely for everyone.
The scene:
in the store…
Parent 1: No, Susie, we can’t leave now, we still have a few things to get for dinner.
Child 1 (slumping to floor): Waaahhhh… I’m tired…
Parent 1 (looking like she wants to slump right along down with Child 1): Just a few more minutes… Here, let me carry you…
in the parking lot…
Parent 2: Why are you crying?
Child 2: I don’t know.
Parent 2: (picks child up and carries her into car).
Clearly, school is making everyone simply…tired. What with the “butterflies” in the stomach from heading into new classrooms, with new teachers and brand-new friends, playground mishaps, and all of those non-washed germy hands, the stress level can build, so all there’s left to do is shed a few tears.
Good humor and fun music can help ease the way through these difficult times. In honor of kids and parents struggling through their first weeks into the schooltime grind, I’ve created a helpful playlist of songs. These are tunes from some of the smartest songwriters in the family music business, and I think they will speak to your woes.
PS: Are you also tired of hearing the simple reply, “Good,” when you ask your child how their day went? Here are some super helpful pointers for how to elicit more elaborate responses from your exhausted offspring: