After a few minutes the associate principal was standing on the stage. She said, “Welcome class of 2012 parents.” I had to fight back the tears. 2012?!? When my baby was born 2012 seemed like a lifetime away. Now it’s just four short years. Back then it was just the year my new baby would graduate from high school. Now it’s the year my baby will walk out the front door, leaving me behind while he goes off to live his life. He no longer needs to hold my hand to cross the street. He no longer asks me to push him on the swing. He no longer needs me to help him pick out his clothes. He’s gone from loving Batman and playing in the dirt to loving all things computer and pretty girls.

For the next hour the two associate principals, the principal and a parent talked about what to expect in the coming year. They talked about academics, extra-curricular activities, “management” (which is the demerit system they use) and the anti-bullying policy. They really should just write all this stuff down (which, um, they probably do in the school handbook I have yet to read) because, although I really was trying to listen, all I could think about was “oh my god my baby is in high school.” I’m sure I wasn’t the only mom have a mini-breakdown right there in there in the middle of high school auditorium.

Excuse while I go off to dab my eyes and blow my nose.

Post from: Blisstree

Freshman Parent Night

But now at 14 there are all kinds of changes. There’s a whole new set of things for me to worry about.

At 14 he can get his learner’s permit. I’m just now starting to get used to his older brother driving and now I’m about to have two teenagers driving. It’s enough to make a grown woman hide in a corner in the fetal position.

At 14 he is starting high school. In just fifteen days he will be a freshman. How could I be the mother of a high schooler? Granted we already have one kid in high school, but he’s my stepson. When he started high school two years ago it was my husband that was the old man. I was the much younger (by four years) second wife (even though he and his ex weren’t married). But now? Now a child I carried for nine months and breast fed for six months is off to the next stage of his life. And I have to admit I’m getting a little teary-eyed just thinking about it.

At 14 he can get a job (with a work permit) and he’s all gung ho about it. He’s already picked up some applications. He can’t wait to make his own money and not have to beg us to give him “just $5…I swear I’ll pay you back.” I can’t get him to do his chores without grumbling, but he’s ecstatic about serving and cleaning up after complete strangers. Go figure.

I’m so excited about all of his new adventures, but I’m also terrified about his new independence. These teenage years are such a roller coaster of emotions…for parents.

Post from: Blisstree

The Big 1-4