Paths Less Traveled...

Our amazing Assistant Principal is working with us on mindset changes. She offered the challenge to travel to or from work in a path that you don’t usually travel. Here was my response…. I took an alternate route home with my 15 year old driving.  I waited for East Rowan to dismiss and we were in the "car line of craziness" as we made our way eastward.  I was a nervous wreck.  ALL these former Eagles driving cars with blaring stereos and not a care in the world including paying attention to the cars in front of and behind them.  Rather than drive straight down Highway 52, we turned onto Sides Road.  Even tho' it was curvy and unfamiliar, I felt relieved to be away from much of the mayhem I was surrounded by.   I admit it made me think of the first month of school.  Even tho' there is chaos, confusion, and  a barrage of I can't do this rants... soon enough the unfamiliar WILL feel comfortable and even tho' you don't know what lies around the bend, you KNOW you can handle it and handle it well.  Perhaps this "road trip" was a reminder to me to remove myself from negative thinking and joining in on unproductive energy instead  I'll just "head out on the highway.... looking for adventure!"  (Born to Be Wild, Steppenwolf, 1968).

Ramblings of a Mother of Teens

Most parents lament and dread the inevitable teenaged years. Those whose children don't make it to the dreaded teen years are forever heartbroken. Both sets mourn. As our children age, they become their own persons. They no longer adore us nor do they believe we can possibly be right...EVER!! BUT HERE IS THE THING...Teenagers are not all bad!! PLEASE KEEP READING... Teenagers help you keep yourself in check. They are honest to a fault and will never let you look too ridiculous. They really have a lot to say. You may have to wait on them to arrive home or sift through their jargon and sometimes undesired language to get the message, but I promise you it is worth hearing. They are mini-versions of our worst and best selves. The hot buttons they push are likely the ones we pushed on our own parents. Try to navigate these moments in the way you WISHED you had been managed. Lastly, despite the fact that they appear to not care at all about you, your opinion, or your desires... they DO!!! Continue to love them and be present when they show up. Find common ground and shared interests to bind you closer as the world tells you you have nothing in common with the younger generation. Don't believe the lies and follow your heart. Give them the same patience you did as you taught them to walk, eat, and crawl. YOU WERE SUCCESSFUL THEN.. and you will be again. Your reward will be an adult friend who you will love and probably find you actually like as well. For Mack and Alex who are now 16 and 15... this momma loves you and forever will. Even when I lose my mind a little over something like clean rooms or spills on the kitchen floor, I will ALWAYS remain your biggest fan, advocate, and cheerleader. There is nothing you can't do and I know these teenage years are tough, but you will get through them and I could not be more proud!