Chalkboards & Milestones.
They're coming.
The back-to-school photos are coming.
They're going to be all you see for the next week or two.
My favorite are the back-to-school chalkboards. You know the ones.
Name: Kayleigh Gracelynn Sumpter-Gardner
Best Friend: Kinley, Brinley, Linley
School: Washington Jefferson Franklin Hamilton Elementary
Grade: 3
Teacher: Mrs. Needs More Summer, Coffee, & Pay
Favorite Subject: Reading
When I Grow Up: Taylor Swift
Every time I see one of those back-to-school chalkboards I think of what my career options were at age 18. Here was my list.
Summer camp owner
Lounge singer on a cruise ship
Thank God I had a praying mother.
For special needs parents it's a strange time.
Will my kid even pose for the photo? Why are all these other kids more advanced than mine? My kid can't even express their life goals or favorite things clearly enough for a chalkboard.
And the real kicker - my kid doesn't hit milestones.
This is a tough subject for me personally. Every time I think i'm over the parenting comparison game - the back-to-school photos show up. Then I start the worrying, overthinking, prayer, surrender, and healing cycle over again.
But I do have some advice for parents as kids head back to school. Some of you have seniors. Some of you have college freshman. Some of you are, rightfully, wondering where the time has gone.
I encourage you to shift your perspective.
They aren't growing up too fast - they're hitting all their developmental milestones right on time.
This isn't their last year - they’ve successfully made it to the finish line.
It's not time to be sad - it's time to celebrate.
Your life is changing as your child grows older.
And that's how it's intended to be.
Please realize what a blessing it is to see a child grow up, change, develop, and become who God intended them to be.
Enjoy the ride.
Give thanks.
PS - For my sister, I don't hate your chalkboards. Love you Erica!