These days, returning to the classroom seems to involve more homework for parents than for students.

Weeks before my child has been assigned a teacher or seen a syllabus, we're fielding an invite for a weekend kindergarten campout. We're buying new school shoes and uniforms. Signing up for piano, dance and baseball. And don't forget end-of-summer grade-level parties. And new-class welcome parties. And evening events for parents. I'm sure my children will easily start waking up at 6:45 a.m. again.

Is anyone else ready to cry uncle?

Don't get me wrong. The rhythm of the school year promises a structure and a schedule that I cherish and miss in the chaos of summer. It brings friends and community back together after summer's separate ways.

But the transition brings its share of stress too.

Wondering if this is just American madness, I asked my........

© Arkansas Online