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This post contains affiliate links, meaning you don’t pay anything but I may make a small commission to help keep the lights on if you make a purchase through them. I’m picky, only share what I love, and all opinions are my own.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Parents are on the go and keeping up with a senior means good shoes are key. It’s hard to have a great day in shoes that hurt. This transitional period may be all about pushing beyond your comfort zone, and that’s a good thing, but that doesn’t mean your feet should feel uncomfortable. Rothy\u2019s shoes<\/a> have been my go to flats for the first two month of school and I love them. Let me count the ways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n They are my go-to, and I love that they are good for both the Earth and my sense of style. They aren’t cheap, but I’ve had one pair for a year and they’ve worn so well that I asked for a second for my birthday. Pro-tip: order a half size up from your usual size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I sadly fell off the reading wagon somewhere along the road through my teen\u2019s junior year but I got back on it over the summer, and I\u2019m so very glad I did. Ushering your child through adolescence can be a bit all-consuming, and I\u2019ve found picking up a book is a great way to escape into another world and forget the teen issues. When I put my book down, I find that I am calmer and have a better perspective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A few books I\u2019ve read and enjoyed recently:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Dutch House<\/em><\/a> <\/em>by Ann Patchett – This family saga is getting a lot of buzz and it is a great read that may also make you feel like parent of the year compared to some of the characters. The audio book is read by Tom Hanks and I\u2019m a little sorry that I didn\u2019t go that route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I Miss You When I Blink<\/em><\/a> <\/em>by Mary Laura Philpott – A collection of essays that will have moms nodding, laughing and feeling understood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Evvie Drake Starts Over<\/em><\/a> <\/em>by Linda Holmes – This enjoyable romance balances some sadness with some good laughs and fun pop culture references.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wishful Drinking <\/em><\/a>by Carrie Fisher – The audio book read by Carrie Fisher herself came out a long time ago, but it was a great listen and full of timeless stories. While it made me miss Carrie Fisher tremendously, she had me in stitches and feeling thankful that my teen years did not include time in my mother\u2019s cabaret show, as hers did.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I got them all from my local library, which I like to think helps balance out the cost of a pair of Rothy’s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The start of the academic year has been a bit more tumultuous than I had anticipated. Not all bad, but not easy, either. I\u2019ve found that time with friends has truly been balm for my slightly battered soul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Set up coffee, lunch, drinks, a chat by phone or Facetime as you fold laundry. Send a quick text. I know, it\u2019s true that we are all super busy. Reach out anyway. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I\u2019ve found that one-on-one time has been particularly great. Big groups are great, and if they energize you, that\u2019s awesome. But if you\u2019re feeling a bit discombobulated by the craziness your kid brings into your life, I\u2019ve found that quieter is better and has led to exactly the kind of conversations that fill me up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have friends who have kids a few years older, all the better. In fact, start with them. The reassurance and wisdom they offer can be invaluable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I’ve written several times about time is nature is great for our kids. Turns out, it’s great for adults, too. Fresh air, Vitamin D, and the fabulousness of fall can work wonders. On a walk today, I encountered a few deer, heard an owl gently hooting, marveled at the color of the leaves and came home in a much better place than when I had left.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I think getting a dog when you have a teenager is great because they will be happy to see you, as Nora Ephron said, but they’ll also motivate you to take more walks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You May Also Like: Reminder: Parenting teens is hard, and you\u2019re doing the best you can<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nBooks<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nTime with Friends<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWalks Outside<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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