My back to school flop

My back to school flop 

There are two truths in our house; every year that first day is exciting and something always goes wrong. I am a bit embarrassed to admit this, but it is true.

My biggest goof up so far was with Maya. It was her very first day of school ever. Three letters, three teachers and all in French. I was fluent and feeling confident, so I just flew over her letter thinking, "Okay, I've got this one... this is my third child,  it will be easy.

The day finally arrived. She was so excited that she didn't sleep well the night before. At the crack of dawn, she was up and ready, wearing an adorable outfit, and standing by the door before the others, "Mommy, when can we go?" She was bursting with pride.

We got to her school to find ourselves alone. No other kids her age were standing outside the building waiting for the bell to ring. A teacher saw me, came and smiled with pity, "Hello Miss; I think you must not understand something. Your daughter starts school in five hours. The first day is only in the afternoon. You need to go back home."

Maya didn't cry, but I almost did. I was so embarrassed. I took her to a bakery, and we had a treat and went back home. Those five hours felt like an eternity for both of us.

Today it wasn't me who goofed up; my Junior forgot his book. I thought "Here the Ochs family goes again." Somethings never change including the excitement of that first day back.

—Allison Ochs Social Worker M.S.W. , Coach, Expat, Mother of three, Wife
Photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash