Back to school prep with a middle schooler and two elementary kiddies can be a challenge. The lists, the supplies, the wants – it’s endless! Trying to get them to figure out what they want versus what they actually need can bring up some pretty funny topics of conversation!
Big Girlie (12) 7th Grade
My firstborn daughter. She is artistic, opinionated and the daughter I prayed for. Our back to school talk focused mainly on what she was going to wear. Her school recently set a bunch of new rules that she is not too happy with – to put it lightly. Here is one example of how she tried to voice her concerns to my husband and me during our trip to find all black sneakers (yes, all black: soles, laces, design – all).
Me: What about these?
I don’t like those.
Me: these?
Nope.
Hubby: How about these? They look cool.
No.
Me: These are good and they are all black.
I don’t like any of these.
Hubby: Do you wanna look at boys’ shoes? We can just convert them to your size. Or. . . let’s go to a different store? Maybe we can order some online?
Me: These are all black. These are your size. I’m going to the register – NOW!
Baby Girlie (10) – 5th Grade
So this little girl is my twin in nearly every sense of the word. She acts like me, looks like me and at times even brands herself like me… yup you read that right! Here’s how our talk went as we decided what her new backpack design would be.
Me: Okay, what color do you want, pink?
Hmmm. No. I’ve decided I’m going to have a new style this year. It is 5th Grade ya know? I did pink for so long.
Me: Ummm okay.
I think my new color is going to be mainly blue with a bit of pink. So let’s do a blue backpack and then my accessories can be pink.
Me: Accessories? Girl, you are getting the basic school supplies. What accessories?
Mommy! My lunchbox, pencil case, binder, folder – all that stuff counts. It’s part of my look!
Me: Oh Lawd!
Buddie (8) – 3rd Grade
My Buddie is not a kid who loves school. Since day one he has always tried to figure a way not to go to school. So when I talk to him about getting ready to go back – it usually ends up in negotiation instead of requests.
Me: So your list is kinda short. Just let me know what color you want everything this year?
Umm…
Me: We are ordering new backpacks so maybe you want to match everything up with that?
Hmmm . . .
Me: Or do you want to go with a character theme? Maybe Spiderman?
Mommy!
Me: ???
Can we talk?
Me: Umm yeah, thought that’s what we were doing.
Are you sure I really need to go back this year?
Me: Dude. It’s not optional. We’ve been through this.
I’m not saying no school at all. I heard YOU can teach me – at home.
Me: So, like I said. What colors?
Have your Kiddies ever had you a bit speechless from what should be a simple back to school chat?
“Believe in yourself, your passions, and your dreams. Your voice is unique – build on that. Embrace what is different about you and make it your greatest asset!”
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