Back To School: What I Really Need This Year

By Sally

Dear Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, or other designated adult,

 

Summer is coming to an end. 

 

I do not understand the cosmic dilemma regarding the rapid movement of time during the months of mid-May until early September.  Does the earth spin at a hastened pace?  I have been taught that there is more daylight during the summer months (in the northern hemisphere at least). So, why oh why does this school break end so soon?

Don’t take this wrong.  I have had a great time…the pool, amusement parks, picnics, 4^th of July, skateboarding, tree-climbing, baseball, camping, fireworks and, dare I say, sleeping in late and afternoon naps.

But, the newspaper is filled with “Back to School” bargains.  You’ve had me trying on my older siblings clothes from last year, and I have been asked to hand off my “too short/too tights” to the one I prefer to ignore.  It pains me to see him in my favorite football jersey.  But so is life.

Last year, school was kind of cool.  My lead teacher was firm, but fair.  I had some setbacks in diagramming sentences (exactly how does that fit in with business acumen and world domination?).  But overall, I did ok.

But this year has me a bit nervous.  I’m actually going to be able to be in team sports. I may not do well.  What if I lose a game, or mess up a big play?

What if I look awkward or weird in the latest styles?   I have never been known for my fashion style.

What if all the girls AND all the guys think I’m a dork?  I’m getting to that age where kids start to get “zits”.  How will I handle that rite of passage?

So, my question is, even though I’m bigger, and the one I prefer to ignore may need a bit more of your time…will you still be there for me?

Will you notice when I want to cry, but I don’t want to upset you guys?  Is it ok if I’m kind of scared, even though I’m a much bigger kid this year?

Will you tell me the truth if I really look dorky?  And will you still let me try to find out who I am?

You’ve been there all along the way…and I’m bigger now.

But, I need to let you in on a secret.  I’m scared.  I’m unsure.  So, when you see a dilemma or an obstacle looming, could you pretend like you think I can handle it, but still give me hints on possible options?

Could you show up for parent/teacher meetings, and events I’m part of, and make me run errands with you because you need my help (but we both know that I just need to talk)?

Could you gently walk me through the rough spots without taking away my dignity in front of friends or siblings?

Could you let me head to my room after a difficult day of being a kid traversing the twists and turns of relationships, triumphs, failures, and uncertainty?   And bring me a brownie after an appropriate time of wallowing in my self-doubt?

I’ve got some friends, but I’d really like to know that I’ve got a parent on my side.  A “for real, invested in me, open-minded when needed, firm when I lose my balance” parent who has the courage to face my angry outbursts, my fears, my lack of wisdom, and my failures.

But also a parent who applauds my successes and secretly rejoices in what an amazing kid I’m becoming.

So, if you can commit to this, I promise to try my best.  You may not hear me say “thank you”.  You may not hear that until I grow up and have kids of my own and realize how tough your job was.

But statistics will be in my favor to succeed…to reach goals…to be a great parent someday to my kids…and to possibly even decide to like the one I prefer to ignore.

(sigh)  I think I feel better already. Thanks.

You can contact Sally by sending an email to mumblingmommy@mumblingmommy.com.


Other Posts You May Like:

The Back to School Series

Teaching Restorative Justice to my Grandkids

12-12-12: Anything to Fear?