15 Reasons to Celebrate the Start of School

by Jill Smokler August 29, 2011 at 8:16 AM in Big Kid

There are two camps of mothers: Those who cry on the first day of school, and those who rejoice with the “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” commercial from Staples playing gleefully in their heads. Not surprisingly, my kids start this week and I've already started dancing. Turns out, I'm not alone in my glee about solo trips to Target and phone calls in peace.

Here's what some of my fellow moms are celebrating about the start of the school year ...

1. "Getting to drink a *hot* coffee. Not warm, hot." Carolyn, Hooked and Happy

2. "Having the pool to myself and able to work on my all over tan!" Beth

3. "Being able to do what I want, when I want, and where I want for 7 hours!" Kristin

4. "I get the PS3, Wii & Xbox all to myself." Jasmine, Fashion Grail

5. "I stuff my face with food I ban in their presence while they're at school." Erin, I'm Gonna Kill Him

6. "Having sex in the middle of the day!!!!" Adrianna

7. "I don't have to wipe the kids' asses when they poop or listen to the WHINING!!" Rachel, Mommy Needs a Vacation

8. "The decrease in the decibel level in the house." Kim

9. "That I can clean out the toys and make things disappear without anyone noticing!" Rebecca

10. "The kitchen is no longer an all you can eat snack bar and the basement is no longer a crash pad for Disney girl drama." Rebecca, Random Thoughts by Rebecca

11. "Finally getting a bikini wax without an audience!" Jessica, A Parent in Silver Spring

12. "That second cup of coffee ... in PEACE!" Chrissy, Life As a CEO

13. "No more beach sand tracked across the wood floors, crunched into the car rugs, or spilling from the lint trap in the dryer!" Andrea, Gold Coast Mama

14. "I can eat whatever I damn well please for breakfast and/or lunch. Over a wrapper. In front of the computer while it's playing profanity-laced or boring-science-filled YouTube videos." Kimberly, Arizona Writer

15. "I will no longer be forced to eat their leftover lunches. Okay I'm kind of gonna miss that ... but my ass won't." Kathy, Mama's Losin' It

What are YOU most excited about?

Image via KB35/Flickr

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jill Smokler

Jill Smokler, AKA Scary Mommy, writes about motherhood -- the good, the bad and the scary. She's also the author Confessions of a Scary Mommy and Motherhood Comes Naturally (And Other Vicious Lies).

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Comments 42

kjbugsmom1517

August 29, 2011 at 8:25 AM

Naps, shower in peace, going to the library by myself, crafting it up, seeing friends, going to lunch or breakfast by myself or with a friend. I love back to school :). We r going into week 3 and it has been sooooo nice.

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L1558

August 29, 2011 at 8:50 AM

I work 8-5 so even when I run my errands, I will still have someone with me....

I'm just glad school is starting so I don't have "bored" kids at home or trying to make plans for them while @ work. Now to try and arrange what activities they can do that I can transport to and from in the evening....

School tends to make it a little less peaceful for this homegirl. ;o)

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Facebook comment from Rachel Humphrey Voorhees

August 29, 2011 at 9:44 AM

I truly don't understand the Moms that cry when school starts. My dance has already started over here & let me tell you, it is a beautiful thing. The hot coffee is always a plus!

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Facebook comment from Amy Taormina

August 29, 2011 at 9:53 AM

sleep. quickies without having to put in a long movie that'll keep their attention and locking the door. as William Wallace once so bravely (and loudly) proclaimed, "FREEDOMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!"

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Nonmember comment from Amy LLA_Princes

August 29, 2011 at 9:54 AM

For Me: Getting to poop with out someone busting in on me......yeah I appreciate the little things ;)

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Facebook comment from Sandy Weber Allen

August 29, 2011 at 9:55 AM

The kids are a little wiped out so bedtime goes much easier!!!!

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Facebook comment from Emily Benoit

August 29, 2011 at 10:00 AM

From the working momas stand point back to school means a pay raise! Going from $1,200 a month in daycare to $400 for after-school care. Hell yeah!

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momversuswild

August 29, 2011 at 10:13 AM

This post makes me sad.

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Facebook comment from Elizabeth Gorn Stephenson

August 29, 2011 at 10:30 AM

Knowing my XBox addicted son is getting more intellectual stimulation by going to school. And really, just more routine! Summer seems to be a free-for-all which seems nice, but it exhausting!!!!!

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LoriAnn87

August 29, 2011 at 10:41 AM

I'm going to miss my little man when he starts preschool again next week but I'm going to enjoy the peace and quiet time to myself but most of all naps again.

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