It’s mid-August. That means a farewell to summer and the start of a new school year. The lazy days and late nights will once again turn into early mornings and hectic evenings.
We will once again be at the mercy of the clock. It’s familiar tick-tick rhythm reminding us of all the changes ahead and the new adventures that await. I’m mentally preparing myself daily to gear up, get organized and get motivated. If only my two teenagers would jump on board.
What is it about each new school year that brings a certain type of anxiety into my teenagers well being? As we are discussing new school supplies and the trips they will embark on in September, I can’t help but notice the stress I see starting to fester.
In fact, they don’t even want to talk about school. They simply don’t want to deal with it. Discussing anything school related is off the table for exactly one more week. Then, in classic teenage fashion, we will cram everything in last second. Definitely makes for some interesting shopping trips.
When I see high levels of stress in my teens I try to put myself back in their shoes. This time is no different. So, I decided to trudge my memory banks and recall my own teenage feelings of high school. Here is what I remember.
High school kind of sucks, at least for me it did. I thought most of the classes were a waste of my time. I can recall a few very bad teachers who were out to get me. The social pressure was hard and navigating relationships was a daily torture.
The most difficult aspect though, was trying to find out who you are and who you want to become, all the while dealing with raging hormones and immature decision making. Not very fun if you ask me.
So, as my teens take on their sophomore and junior years I will be really supportive. Not that I’m not supportive in general, but this year is important for both of them. It’s a big year of emotional growth for my sophomore, and a huge college push for my junior. It’s a lot to take in, as there is immense pressure for success at their school and for their scholastic future.
I’m honestly proud of their accomplishments so far. They are both good students and good-natured young adults. I know they will be ok moving forward.
The fall is a time of renewal in my opinion. It’s the start of something fresh and new. I can happily say that as summer comes to an end and my family embarks on the new path ahead, I’m excited to experience the unexpected and maybe a few bumps in the road.
Teenhood is full of bumps, emotional bruises, happy and sad moments and lots of growth. Wrap all these experiences into one package and call it high school.
We will tackle it one day at a time, then a week, then a month. Here is to an exciting, successful, fun new school year for my family and yours.
Fingers crossed parents; our teenagers will make us proud. Just be there for them, listen to them and pay attention to the little things. They will forever love you for it.
Elizabeth Knobel lives in Windsor and is the mother of two teens who give her inspiration everyday. She can reached at [email protected].
