Parenting Guru: Heading back to school

The start of school this year is a little different for our family. Of course there is the usual concern for our children. Ben is venturing to pre-school for the very first time, Maggie is entering first grade, Levi is starting middle school as Caleb embarks on the 8th grade. I always worry about the children fitting in and finding someone to eat lunch with, finding their classrooms, and getting awesome teachers who appreciate their unique personalities. But this year I have an added concern because it will be my first day of school too. After 13 years as a stay-at-home mom, I am heading back to school as a teacher. Today, I am worried about how I can possibly manage my children, my home and my students. I worry about keeping up with laundry, helping our kids with homework, cooking dinner and grading papers. And, to be perfectly honest, I am worried about fitting in and finding someone to eat lunch with at school. Some things never change.