School Days and Stay-at-Home Moms

When your children start a new school year, it's just as exciting as it was when you experienced it yourself.

My friend Judy is sending her youngest child to first grade this fall. She can’t believe she’ll have all her kids in school all day.

I remember the first day I sent my youngest to first grade. The day was infinite. I did 10 hours of housework, went out to lunch, watched a mini-series on TV, reorganized my kitchen cupboards, went shopping and waxed my car. Or so it seemed.

Sadly, that doesn’t last. By November, I would hear the sounds of the school bus and say, “Is it 3:30 already?!”

I love the first day of school almost as much as I love the last day of school. I still get butterflies just thinking about it. My sister and I used to call it “First Day of School Stomach.” Maybe I’m over-identifying with my children as they walk into clean school buildings, pick up new textbooks and get a locker assignment, but I swear my house looks, feels and smells differently as soon as my kids get on the bus that first day.

Suite 101 has lots of advice for you, as you approach the start of a new school year:

First Day of School Preparations: Help Your Child Start the Year Off Right gives you tips on making that first day the best for your child.

Back to School Clothes Shopping: How to Save Money, Time and Sanity on Fall’s Big Buying Days will help turn you into a smart shopper.

First-Day-of-School Tailgate Party: Start the Year Off Right with Breakfast at the Bus Stop has recipes and ideas for a super send-off.