Two Mom Goals for the New School Year
My son just started first grade. In the few weeks before school started we received what seemed like countless letters from the school district. In reality, it was probably only three. He received his own letter from his teacher which included an introduction, an adorable letter from a former first grader (whose favorite part was PE, including picture) and a parent survey for me and his dad to fill out.
Most of the survey was pretty straightforward. The question that kept me thinking was the one that asked us to list two goals for our child this year. It didn’t take long for us to talk about (with his input) what we were hoping for him to get out of the year.
So in my role as Mom I’ve decided to pick out two goals for myself for this school year, as posted on our fridge:
You might be asking, what? That’s it? Yes, that’s it. Goals are supposed to be achievable and realistic, but also something that we want to work towards, and these are mine.
Stay Calm
Is my sweet darling child getting grouchy with me because he doesn’t want to do his 5-10 minutes of homework? Stay calm. Does he needs extra support at home with a tricky concept? Stay calm. Is there a need that must be addressed with his teacher? Stay calm. Did he makes a complete disaster of his lunch box? Stay calm. (This last one already happened!)
My ability to stay calm – to breathe, think, and to then act – makes me more effective as a homework helper, an advocate and his number one supporter. He listens to me better when I remain calm, and I feel better about not losing my cool. It’s also about recognizing that this is just first grade, that there are lots of different ways to learn, and that our world is not going to end if he struggles with certain things or learns at his own pace. Will I fall short sometimes? Absolutely, but it’s something to work towards.
Be Involved
Being involved can mean many different things to different parents, especially depending on schedules, availability and interests. For me, this means that I’m involved in the backpack. What’s going on in that folder? What’s going on at school? What can I commit to helping with this year? Am I helping with homework?
It’s also about making sure that he knows that I’m invested and care about how it’s going each day. I’m not quite twiddling my thumbs while he’s gone, but it’s definitely an adjustment, and I want him to know that I’m still thinking about him even though he’s away. Being involved is about asking questions and inviting him to tell me about his experiences even though I can’t be there.
So those are my goals for the year! Do you have any new goals as your little ones (or big ones!) start the year?
About Shaina Charron
Shaina Charron has lived in Rochester for 25 years. She is the mother of one four and a half year old little boy. She spends her days trying to gratefully fill her roles as a mom, daughter, sister, friend, student, and employee. In January 2010 she left a full-time job of two years in order to spend more time with her child and return to college. She is currently earning her Liberal Arts Associates Degree and planning a transfer to a four year school where she can study social work.
Shaina enjoys spending time with her family and their beloved pets, crafting, reading (her favorites are the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon and Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling), eating and cooking (mostly vegetarian, though occasionally gluten free and vegan as well), spending time with friends, and being outside in nature.
As a mother, she’s found breastfeeding, bed-sharing and gentle discipline to be the best fit for her child. She dreams about the beach in Florida, living in a cabin in the woods, and taking a cross country trip without any sort of time or financial restraints. She is looking forward to sharing her adventures with you.