By India McCarty
Great American Media President and CEO Bill Abbott reminded parents that, while the back-to-school season might get hectic, they should still “enjoy these days.”
“My biggest takeaway from raising four children is that the old adage ‘the days are long but the years are short’ is absolutely true,” he wrote in a Great American Journal post. “The fall leaves will begin to turn any day now, and before we know it, the holidays will be here. Enjoy these days, because they don’t last forever.”
Abbott shared that, during his kids’ younger days, he spent a lot of time focused on the little things and “missed the simple joy of the moment: the funny story told in the car on the way home, the smile after a good grade, even the mess of sports gear left by the door.”
Related: Heading Back to School? Here’s How to Make Drop Offs a Success
“Looking back, those are the moments I treasure most as they are the everyday blessings that seemed ordinary at the time,” he said.
Abbott admitted that there are always challenges to being in the moment, from screens to social pressures to packed schedules.
“But in retrospect, the importance of slowing down and remembering that these busy seasons are part of God’s design too, and when we stay grounded in faith, it’s easier to find joy in the moment and gratitude for the season we’re in,” he wrote. “Because before you know it, the school year will be gone and soon enough, so will the school years. Treasure them while you can, trusting God to guide our families through every step.”
In a 2024 column for the Los Angeles Times, writer Mary McNamara agreed. She reflected on her daughter’s last first day of school, writing, “Where once I was CEO and general manager, I am now more personal assistant/consultant emeritus.”
“These are the last of the last days in high school for us all, and while a daily balloon drop is not feasible — so messy, and bad for the environment — they are worth celebrating,” she wrote.
One easy way to connect with your kid every day? Asking questions about their day. Today’s Parent shared a list of questions you can use, like “what made you smile today?” or “what’s one thing you did today that helped a friend or your teacher?”
“You’ll be surprised how much more information you get,” the website shared. “Even if they answer ‘good’ or ‘bad’ to ‘Was today a good or bad day?,’ you have a starting point.”
Heading back to school can get chaotic, and some parents might wish for future days where their child isn’t quite so reliant on them to manage everything. However, Abbott — and many other parents — agree: you’ll miss these days, so don’t forget to enjoy them!
Read Next: DUDE DAD Taylor Calmus, Wife Heidi Share Back-To-School Essentials
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