By Cindy Edwards

This is the first year that I have not watched a child walk out of my door on the first day of school. As I transition to this new phase of my life, I will miss being involved in my sons’ school activities. It can definitely be a challenge to juggle all of the responsibilities of parenting and still participate in the children’s school events. There are new teachers to meet, supplies to buy, carpools to schedule and many new chances to get involved at school.  Parents may find it hard to help or volunteer in the classroom; however, there are opportunities for everyone and helping at your child’s school can be very rewarding.

A good friend of mine in Savannah, Donna Stafford, happens to be a veteran teacher. She says that children want their moms and dads to be involved at some level.  “Children need to see that their parents are interested in school,” she explains, “and that it is a priority.” 

When children are young, parents can offer to read in class, assist with projects or chaperone a field trip.  Even as children get older, schools still need parental support. From serving on the local PTA to helping set up the science fair, your child will notice anything that you do—and so will the teachers.

Just remember to communicate with your teacher or school about opportunities.
School days are busy and tightly scheduled, so calling or emailing is the best way to communicate.  Stopping by the classroom to talk with the teacher when you drop off your child is not a good idea.  Mornings are typically the busiest and most hectic part of the day. 

Just for fun, I want to share a few after-school snacks that you can make and enjoy with your child.

Fruit Kabobs with Simple Chocolate Sauce

For 6 kabobs you will need:

Six 6-inch bamboo skewers
Assorted fruit, cleaned and prepped for assembly
Marshmallows or maraschino cherries for a sweet addition
Your favorite chocolate sauce

You and your child will enjoy placing each piece of fruit on the skewer. Adding an occasional marshmallow or cherry makes eating the fruit even more fun. Offer the chocolate sauce as a special dip or drizzle over the kabobs. This activity is a great (and delicious) way to get your kids interested in eating a healthy snack.

Quick and Easy Pasta Salad

For older children, a pasta salad is the perfect snack to get their brains and bodies ready for after-school activities and homework. 

1 pound of pasta (I use bowtie)
1 cup balsamic vinaigrette dressing (your family favorite)
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup cubed salami
1/2 cup diced green, red or yellow peppers
1/2 cup sliced olives
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Grated Parmesan cheese to taste
Salt and pepper to taste

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and mix with other ingredients.  This is a great recipe to prepare on a Sunday evening because it will keep in the refrigerator for a couple of days.

Enjoy the excitement of a new school year with your children.  As I learned this year, these fun days pass way too quickly.
As always, thanks for reading.

Properly yours,
Cindy

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