Talking with friends the other day, we all lamented the craziness of this month.
“Why the enormous relentless year-end push for closure?” we asked, when, quite frankly, WE WILL BE BACK IN THREE MONTHS DOING THE SAME THING.
And another friend questioned, what’s with Money May? She told about paying out all kinds of cash for who-knows-what, and at the end of the year? Considering how much reminding, encouraging, following through, and busting buns we parents and teachers have done, it would seem a little cashback might be in order.
A friend summed it up perfectly: “May is like Christmas, but without the presents.”
So, dear friends, what do we do about May? The last-minute celebrations, class parties, concerts, plays, recitals, teacher gifts a la Pinterest, and milestone moments, all jumbled on top of each other?
I honestly don’t know. Except to attend them. Enjoy them. And try to concoct a better plan for next year.
But this one thing I do know–don’t start it earlier. This has been done by some bright thinker who said, Well then, let’s do end-of-year activities in APRIL and avoid the May rush!
This would have worked well, except only a few people got on board the good ship Pre-empt Mayhem May. Which led to Annoying April. Because then we had spring break, Easter, AND end of school year activities, PLUS the usual May craziness.
J.O.Y.
For people like me, with multiple children, this was not a good plan.
Sadly, however, I do not have a wise suggestion. I do not even claim to be thinking of one. I only offer this lament with the knowledge that some wonderfully savvy mother out there has a sage solution that I can’t wait to hear. And implement.
If you’re out there, Sage Mother, please hear my cry. And share your strength. The entire academic-meets-parental world could use a gentler May.
Best,
Connie
I don’t have any sage advise except to just enjoy every minute. You never know what the future holds. I am a grandma and am still trying to get to all the recitals and school programs only compounded with multiple families. Happy May. Thank you for your articles. Alexis
Thanks so much for this! So good to know that we don’t need to have it down at any stage, just keep doing our best. Thanks!
Life is still about making choices and prioritizing and even letting go. We were scheduled for another pinewood derby last night on top of all the other May Mayhem with a son who has waited a very long time to play baseball. I offered a choice and was relieved to not have to make yet another car. We had a previous pinewood derby just in November. He was happy with his choice. I was glad to support him in it. I did not even feel a need to apologize for not showing. Previously, we have done the conquer and divide and even got the grandparents and a single aunt into the rescue brigade. Some extra curricular is good but we can do without a lot of it. We don’t need each child to be in every performance and every sport. Take turns as to whose turn it is and then show family support in moderation. We have had health challenges that over-ruled many extra curricular activities. I was supposed to take a child to a sleep study tonight while other family were going to attend a nephew’s graduation. I awoke early this morning with flu. We choose to let go and prioritize. Hubby is making a comfort food for others and I am seeking to not spread illness. I never knew that the flu could be such a welcomed reprieve.
Love this, thanks so much for sharing:)