Posts tagged ‘Children’
Another Active Autumn
September is suddenly upon us, having arrived faster than a project deadline. Along with it came the flurry of emails regarding school fees, supplies, registration forms, links to download apps, and sports medical forms; each missive and online purchase biting at my life schedule and bank account. Imagine what a fully funded public school system could be for us.
We didn’t get much of a summer break. The warm season started with an epic amount of baseball and travel, and continued with volleyball tryouts for next year’s club team. That season will be upon us before I finish this essay.
When all was done we had about 2-3 weeks of time to rest and sort ourselves before the school year began. We didn’t drift far from the couch during those days and I truly loved having both of you home with me.
But it’s September and time to rush off to another school year. To each of you I say this:
To My Darling Daughter,
You are now entering your junior year, a veteran of the high school scene. This year will be epically busy as you divide your academic time between a nursing assistant program, and your regular classes. Add to that two months of varsity volleyball after school each weekday and you will barely have time to catch your breath. We have decided to try adjusting your custody schedule to accommodate the busy-ness and though it may mean I won’t see you as much, it’s a positive change if it allows you to get good sleep.
I’m very proud that you are being so adventurous, trying new things. You are looking at opportunities after high school already, packing your days full of learning, and seriously considering where you want to go after high school.
Also, you have your learner permit and are asking to drive at every opportunity. Once you have your driver license, both of our lives will change dramatically. I am looking forward to that time for you because I know you are craving independence. For myself, I will be sad knowing that you won’t need me as much. But such is the trajectory of a parent’s life.
To My Handsome Son,
You are starting eighth grade at a new school this year. During your time at middle school, you learned the life lesson about how important your inner circle is and decided to make a significant change. Even though it may be more than slightly terrifying to start at a new middle school again, I am so very proud of you for making this decision on your own. You already show an enthusiasm for your new school that you never did for your previous one and that makes me smile.
Your daily life will be just as busy as your sister’s with baseball training and workouts after school several times a week. We will continue the same custody schedule for you. Without your sister is around as much, maybe this will give us a little more one-on-one time. I am not quite sure what you are all about these days as boys your age tend keep yourselves to yourselves.
I hope you stay engaged in your classwork. You have great potential because you are a very bright boy. Middle school can often derail a kid’s life, but with this move you’ve made, you’ve given yourself a great chance to start anew.
Off we go for another school year full of activities and travel. The days are getting darker and that’s never really fun, but I know this year will be a great one for both of you. So, grab your backpacks and get in the car, it’s time to go to school.
Yes, my daughter, you can drive.
Hop Dad 