by Julie B. Thibodeaux, M.C.P. and D. Stephenson Bond, L.M.H.C.

Can you believe it is already that time of year again? The time for mad dashes to the mall and Wal-Mart, early bedtimes and alarm clocks set for 6 a.m.! It is time for the children to head back to school! How ready are you for the old school bell to ring?

This quiz will rank the variety of feelings you have about this important summer time transition and let you know if you are totally psyched or totally anxious about seeing the kids off to a new school adventure.

  1. When it is time to go shopping for the kids' school clothes you think:
    • Let's head to the mall!
    • How quickly can I get this done?
    • Is it ALREADY time for school to start again?
    • Oh no! Not this again.
  1. The thought of getting the kids up early for school:
    • Bothers me--I'd rather sleep in.
    • Is great! It gives me lots of time to prepare for the day!
    • Means it's about time to get back to the routine.
    • Makes me wonder how we'll ever get back in rhythm.
  1. Car pool "moments" driving the kids to school and activities:
    • Tie my stomach in knots.
    • Are not the best way to start my day.
    • Bring a smile to my face.
    • Are just one of those things parents have to do.
  1. The thought of having to help the kids with their homework:
    • Pleases me because we need to get back to structured activities.
    • Makes me nervous: I can't remember half the stuff they are learning.
    • Depresses me--it's like going to school all over again.
    • Sounds great! I love to see what they are learning!
  1. When it comes to buying school supplies:
    • I would rather they use materials we already have at home.
    • I love the smell of new crayons, pencils, all of it.
    • The trick is to keep to your list and not buy everything they think they want.
    • I feel a sense of dread of having to fight the crowds and how much it will cost.

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