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The Ugly Jacket
Not long ago my son texted me asking if I could add money to his account because he was in Gainesville where it was quite a bit cooler than Cape Coral, and he had spent what was left in his bank account on a jacket. Like most kids he knew which parent to text. His dad would’ve let him learn a budgeting and packing lesson. I laughed thinking, well he finally got cold enough to wear a coat. His text brought me back eight years earlier to a time when I was teaching fourth grade. Kai, my son, was in the fourth-grade class next door to mine. My friend was…
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An Interesting Dinner With My Teenage Son
I put the following quote on the board and asked the 6th graders what it meant. “Each of us has a fire in our hearts for something. It’s our goal in life to find it and keep it lit.” Mary Lou Retton Most of the students were unsure until I asked them what my purpose was. Then hands went up and I received answers of writer, teacher, and mom. They could see my purpose but not their own until I asked them what they like to do. The room buzzed with everything from singing and soccer to baking and dance. I explained that when I was their age I enjoyed writing stories. I suggested…
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Moms are from Earth and Sons are from Who-Knows-Where
I have learned many things in my eighteen years of parenting. I think the most important lesson I’ve learned is that even though both my children have sprung from my loins they are very unique individuals. We were all elated when Kai made it to All-States for percussion. People were telling me it was a great honor and congratulations but honestly even though I provided my children with music lessons for most of their lives I’m not all that familiar with the levels of music in schools. There’s MPA and FBA and All-County and All-State and Superiors, Excellents, etc. It’s taken three years but I finally think I’ve got it…
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Mom and Son
“Please understand that everything I ask you to do has a purpose. Whether it’s learning to take out the trash and recycling every week, completing your homework on time, giving others your attention while they are performing, or remembering to say thank you when someone gives you a compliment – all of these things are lessons meant to help you make an easier transition into adulthood.” His reply; “I’m a teenager, mom. What do you expect?” I wanted to say “I expect you to do everything I ask, immediately, without question.” Well maybe I did say something along those lines during our hour long conversation. It was more like… please…
