u/Interesting_Case6737

I am from California and I'm always shocked this time of year that there is no class supply list yet. It drives me crazy personally because I'm a planner and like to shop the sales and like to have a good selection before everything is picked over. Last year I did not receive the supply list for 1st grade until the day before at the meet and greet. I wanted to pull my hair out, ha. I was just wondering if it's the same around the country. That being said I'm excited for the kids and I'm wishing everyone a happy start to the school year.

I'm a SAHM and my youngest is about to start school. I'm giving a gift to myself and that is time to do whatever I want to do. My husband is on board and supports this. I don't need to justify all the hard work I've poured into my family over the years. The problem is I have a growing list of about 25 things I'm interested in doing, both hobby-wise and things that might lead to something professionally. Every day I'm coming across more stuff for the list and thinking, "Ooo! I'm interested in that!" How do I narrow it down and not waste this precious time? How do you find that thing you love to do, that defines you and makes you, you? Besides motherhood, ha. My whole life I have had so many interests that I still really love doing, too. I wouldn't say I've lost myself in becoming a mom, rather that I haven't had the freedom to pursue what I want to do for a little while. And I've had such an interesting life so far! Jill of all trades, mistress of none, is me to a T. I just love life and everything in it! How do I narrow my focus?

Edited to add: Thank you for all the wonderful responses! I stepped away to have breakfast and was so pleased when I came back to all the wise words. To clarify, my youngest will be going to Kindergarten so that's why I thought I could benefit from the advice of women 60 and up who have so much more experience than me. I don't want to get into specifics but I'll have 3-4 hour chunks of time to myself to pursue whatever I would like, which I've never had before because I was working or raising babies. We're solid financially. Volunteering is the first thing I signed up for, and I'm excited about that. My background is in a stem field. I did some courses already in another field, and I'm not sure if it's worth seeing that through as the job turned out to be more physical than I imagined. It's still on my list to finish as a back up plan in case life happens. Other than that I'm interested in bookkeeping or anything that's kinda behind the scenes for a future job, but my post was more about the hobbies I want to dive deeper into, or to try. Generally, my list includes crafts, physical fitness, learning a new language, cooking, learning about investing, music, and more! My interests (and resume) are all over the place so that's why it's so hard to decide what to do next. I appreciate all the advice more than you know!

So how are we handling the sass and back talk? And moaning and groaning when I ask them to do something like pick up their room. The worst part is my 4 year old joins in and thinks it's okay. ​I've tried not reacting and ignoring it, I've tried saying "try again mister" and I've tried making a joke of it and playing the old "Yakkedy-Yak" song. Still happens, been going on for months. Any tips?

What is an inexpensive sport or activity for elementary school kids in the long run?

I'm looking at fees and uniform costs, and feeling overwhelmed. For instance, dance seems inexpensive on the surface but then there's costumes. Scouts entry fee was surprisingly expensive. Group hobbies, well there's supplies to buy. Even at the Y, it's a commitment to be out at the field during dinnertime so needing to plan to be out and what we're going to eat right after, I'm sure there's the temptation to just go out every practice.

I understand needing to pay something to get value out of their activities, and I do have a little wiggle room in the budget for that. Just wondering what I should encourage my kids to get into now that won't cost an arm and a leg in the long run.

What apps are we using to keep track of things like packing lists, schedules, cleaning tasks/home upkeep, gardening, and meal planning? How about birthday party planning lists or apps to keep track of recurring appointments? Such as, I'm always forgetting pet grooming and vaccine schedules, when I'm supposed to change the air filter or take the car in for an oil change. Unless it's monthly or weekly, my mom brain just doesn't keep track of it. Are there any good apps for keeping up with chores kids can do at certain ages, and what academic skills they should be covering at school for their grade level? I need all the apps to help organize our lives 😅 I'm on Android/Google Play and would love recommendations for free or cheap apps that work for your family.