Expectations are a tricky thing. The beginning of the school year brings a fresh start and lots of expectations. Beginning of the year parent teacher conferences are an invaluable time to communicate and get on the same page regarding your child and the school year.

When I became a mom, my dad asked if there was anything in particular I was struggling with about being a new mother. As I recall, the list was long. There is a steep learning curve in parenting! However, there was one unfamiliar and unexpected emotion I felt when my children entered the toddler stage: embarrassment.

I walked into a lot of new lunchrooms as a kid. I went to nine different schools between kindergarten and senior year. At each new place, I found myself in a familiar place – my eyes dancing around looking for kindred spirits. Fortunately, I always found some. But months later I would find myself in another familiar place: the painful place of saying goodbye.

They’re back. You sent your precious child off to camp with neatly packed luggage, extras shirts and shorts just in case, some snacks and maybe even a smile.  A few days ago the bus doors opened and they looked . . . well . . . rough. Their hair wasn't combed. Half their clothes were missing and the half were covered in Jell-O. They look exhausted and reek of a distinct combination of body odor and Doritos. It’s enough to make you wonder, “What happened there?!” The best answer is...a lot.