Field of Daisies

Growing Up With Your Kids

Although summer is not officially over, it may as well be as the kids went back to school today. (Pardon me while I do my happy dance....) Yes, I'm glad summer is over. The house is quiet except for the hum of my computer and the other miscellaneous sources of white noise. There is no bickering. No endless questions. No doors slamming or video games blasting. Ahhh... It's so peaceful.... :-)

This morning went very smoothly as well, although a brief wave of anxiety washed over me as I drove away from the school after dropping the kids off. Did I remember everything important? Will Zach be able to get his locker unlocked? Will he keep up with all his stuff and make it to all his classes? Will Jenna punch the little boy next to her for pulling her pony tail? Will she remember how to multiply and divide?

After a few of these questions bombarded my brain I finally came to the conclusion that even if everything doesn't go smoothly on the first day of school it's not the end of the world. They will learn to handle these things (and a whole lot more!) and they will be the better for them. My part is to help prepare them the best I can beforehand and to be there afterward to help them put the pieces in perspective--even if they can't all be put back together.

You know this "growing up" thing is really a myth. Yes, my kids are growing up, but I'm already grown up and still I'm learning more every day. For instance, Zach was upset with his dad one day recently for being harsh or unjust or some such thing (from Zach's perspective). I told him that since he is our first child, Dad and I are learning how to do this parent thing as we go. With every new phase of Zach's life, every new adventure (like the first day of middle school!), not only is it new for him, but it's new for us as parents as well. Sure we went to school as kids, but we never had to send our kids to school before. (We home schooled up until last semester.) And sure, we went to camp, but we never had to watch the bus pull away with our youngest child and only daughter on board.

I think Zach must've understood what I was talking about on at least some level, 'cause he smiled and gave me a big hug. Note to self: Talking to your kids is good.... See, I'm still growing up -- even as a parent!