I am about to bring up a subject that will make me pretty unpopular, but I can’t help it. Please, moms, pretty please ... do not wear Hello Kitty pajamas to school dropoff this year. It’s not cute ... not even on your little girl (unless it’s pajama day, then it’s adorable).
Why do you avoid getting dressed like you avoid the scale after a vacation week of bingeing on candy and carbs? Why? It’s not that big of a deal. (A quick seven-pound gain is scary ... been there.) Let me tell you something: It takes the same amount of effort to slip on a pair of leggings, a nice top, and boots as it does to put on sweatpants, a hoodie, and sneakers. Really, it does. Oh, except the boots zip and the sneakers tie, so I will save you precious time. And you will look damn good at drop-off.
While I am at it, comb your hair, splash your face with water, and — if you really want to make me happy — brush your teeth. You can do it. I am talking five minutes of your time so you don’t make the teachers wince on the first day. I see their faces. They smile through your horrible morning breath, nonchalantly touching their nose every few minutes for a break from the stench. They avoid staring at the crusty sleep that took up residence in the corner of your eye overnight. They ignore the fact that your yoga pants are beyond stretched out from skipping too many dates with the washing machine. (Newsflash: You’re not fooling anyone that you are wearing more than one pair.) Our teachers shouldn’t have to possess these talents. They shouldn’t have to break out their flatirons in the morning because the smell of poop smeared on your diaper bag will give them an insta-perm. They're there to educate our kids, to give them the skills they need to succeed ... not play dirty dodgeball with their unkept moms.
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Your kids are immaculate. Fashion-forward. Manicured. Groomed. You bribe them as needed to brush their teeth. Their backpacks are stocked, their lunches wholesome, their school supplies are all there. You get it done. Now it’s time to show your kids that you don’t just care about them ... that you matter, too.
Can we all agree that we have a little time in the mornings to make ourselves look presentable? That there’s no reason to literally roll out of bed and into the car? Make it your School Year’s Resolution to lead by example. You don't have to primp like you did when you were crushing on a guy in high school, but if the kids get dressed, you get dressed. Hell, maybe even throw on some lip gloss and mascara to make your partner do a double-take (in a good way, for once) before s/he leaves for work. Have a little pride, moms!
Do you wear your pajamas to school drop-off? Why or why not?
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