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My son graduated from Middle School last week and no, I was not asked to be the graduation speaker. So, I wrote my own address speciafically aimed at parents who have kids heading into Middle School. Here's what I learned over the past three years . What did you learn, fellow parents of MS grads?
Lesson #1 The child that leaves in 8th grade has no physical resemblance to the child that entered in 6th grade.
Boy or girl, it doesn't matter. They are broader or skinnier depending
upon genetics. They are leaner in the face but bigger in the chest.
Their smooth skin turns rough. They are hairy-er, stinky-ier, shiny-er.
Whatever they were in 6th grade they will not be in 8th. Stock up on
food, Clearasil and new socks. Trust me on the socks.
Lesson #2 If you are lucky, the child that leaves in the 8th grade will have some resemblance to the sweet kid you sent to kindergarten.
They don't all get cynical and disrespectful like the kids you see in
sitcoms or teen comedies. There are plenty of nice, good kids in middle
school, doing their homework, volunteering, acting in the school play,
captaining the basketball team. The kids are alright.
Lesson #3 The school psychologist was right when she told the parents in 6th grade that their group of friends may change every year. Friendships
go up and down, in and out. New kids show up and new relationships are
formed. Go with the flow and keep your fingers crossed that your child
finds the right group for them. If not this year, then next.
Lesson #4 The schoolwork is one thing; the social life is a whole other ballgame.
But it is all happening at the same place so you can't separate the
two. Just when you think they've turned their math grade around, you
may be blindsided by a social situation that knocks them off their
feet. Bullies, mean girls, cliques, boyfriend/girlfriend drama (
imaginary or not) , failing to make the team-- it all still happens and
it all matters when it comes to grades.
Lesson #5 Middle schoolers are genuinely funny.
Not cute funny or sweet funny, but funny funny. Drive a carpool, invite
the kids over after school, volunteer to do make-up for the school play
and learn to appreciate their sense of humor.
Lesson #6 It's new technology, but it's the same old story.
Do u like me? I like u. Do you think B. is cute? Me 2. The kids may
have all the latest gadgets, but their conversations are not anymore
profound that ours were 30 years ago with notes scribbled on scraps of
paper. Respect them.
Lesson #7 If there is anytime period of childhood that does not seem to "fly by' for parents, this may be it. Wow, I felt every day!
I am grateful for my "I'm- in- the- laundry- room- going- crazy"
support team who took my emergency talk-me-down calls. You know who you
are! Parents need their people, too.
Any thoughts? Add them here .
Embrace your Chaos, Lian
