The clerk told me the total and I flinched. Literally. We'd just finished gathering all the school supplies specified on the list for my oldest daughter, now in an upper grade of elementary. The expectations are much higher. And so is the cost.
It's also a lot harder. Her questions are more complex, and her moods more mercurial.
Once upon a time I could have gone to the store and bought the supplies for her. Now, however, she has a vested interest in this and all purchases, as well as many aspects of life…because in her mind, they all reflect on her. She sees herself in a new way. She's becoming self-conscious about the music she listens to, the clothes she wears, how she fixes her hair and accessorizes, the way she talks…everything.
When did all this happen and what do I do? I swear five minutes ago she was just starting to talk!
So, after shopping, I came to Facebook and stated that back to school shopping was a physical pain and added a few melodramatic OUCH c...