So, how was your day?

This past  week I attended my daughter’s middle school orientation with tissues in hand.  Let me just say I can’t believe she is going into middle school.  I can vividly remember her as a baby playing on her activity mat.  Those long nights of feedings and little sleep for me…time seemed stuck as I was living off coffee.  Once she hit pre-school time went into over overdrive.  Years started melting together.  Now, here we are with me sitting in an orientation with hundreds of other parents listening to how “awesome” middle school is going to be.  Hearing how she will be switching classes, having a locker, and opting for the “Fresh Air Club” (aka outdoor time after lunch) .

As this new chapter is started, I am sure feelings of the unknown will grow for both of us.  For my daughter, heading into the unknown world where school expectations,  peer relationships,  and physical development will now be center and forefront.  For me, losing my baby and gaining the starts of a young woman with a given a change in our relationship.  As my daughter continues to grow, I know that the she will be testing and at times  struggling to find her place in this world and among her peers.  My goal is to keep our connection strong and keep her family as her anchor.

Do I have a game plan? Yes I do.  Is it perfect?  No, but it is a starting point.  First and foremost, I want to give her that strong security  at home that she will need  as she starts spreading her wings more and engaging in age-appropriate freedoms.  How do I hope to accomplish this?

• Frequent check ins:  as kids get older I believe you need “check-ins” now more than ever.  This can be texts, chats, and calls.  It can be popping into a room while they are watching tv.  Really anything.
• Continue to make family centered meals a priority:  find the time eat and sit together  as a family.  It could be breakfast or dinner.  Make an easy meal…crockpot, casserole, roasted, grilled.
• Monthly have special  1:1 time: this could be mom or dad.  Brunch, shopping, dinner…the sky is the limit
• Readjust and set  limits:  we all need limits and boundaries are necessary for all to succeed and grow
• Continue to give hugs: no one is ever too old for a good hug
• I won’t take things personally: “I hate you” those 3 horrible words… words that will escape the lips of your child at some point.  I remember being so mad at my mom I would say that and slam the door.  Did I mean it?  No.  As a parent, one strategy is to give my daughter the space to cool off and then go back to discuss.  Every one gets mad.  Just keep in mind that hormones are and additional component.
• Maintain high expectations
• Check homework and stay on top of school work

Thank goodness I have two more years until my son is in this same spot.  That my friends will be a totally different approach😘😘

“To be in your child’s memory tomorrow, you have to make time today”