My child will do it different

The beginning of another school year is only 9 days away.  Like most mothers the last few days of summer break are filled with getting school supplies, figuring out new schedules, and leaving behind the more flexible schedules.

It has been many years since I sent a child into their first year of high school , and though times have changed the apprehensions have not.
Freshman nerves are already displaying themselves. 

Pretty words like, be yourself, be a leader not a follower, Make good choices, does nothing to soothe the fears.

I have to be honest this ride is not easy for this mama either.  I know that the moment our children begin school we " Send them out " to be influenced by others but sending them into high school they are so vulnerable.  There are more opportunities for independence, more opportunities to be tempted, more circumstances for them to make choices that can impact their lives.

   I mean in grade school when you color a person blue- it does nothing to change your life.   Guys High school is peer pressure on steroids!

Do I think my son will make good choices? yes most of the time.
Does he want to fit in? Absolutely!
Will he make any bad choices? there is that chance!
Is he a good kid? Yes he is
Do good kids make bad choices? yes they do!

When I started school in the 60's and my adult children in the 80's/90's times were different but feelings were not.

I am guilty of thinking at times "My child will do it differently"

Different than who?  Different than what? 
Better?
Different than we may want them to that is what.
Peer pressure is enormous and" the way " they may have been taught is at risk or being swept under the rug even if only temporarily.

Do I like that ? NO

Do kids need to fail to learn?  Yes they do.

Even great kids are not always great!  Boundaries will be stretched, experiences will be had. 

Our teens are facing issues in our present day world that are just ugly.  how do we shield them from it all?  We can't.

We can pray for them, we can be an example for them, we can love them through all the choices they make good and bad.  We can show them the Grace that was given us.

High school isn't for sissies!

Good luck Cameron may your dreams of being an orthodontist come true! Seem premature since he is a freshman?  Well in  2015 In our district you choose your high school based on what your career choice is! So he will be in a medical program and have his first year of college completed when he graduates!

UGH- Give me Romper Room!