The Kids Growing Up Does Not Mean I'm Getting Old

Three weeks ago the kids went back to school and this year saw a big change for us. I picked their school very deliberately years ago. You see, Heli Dad and I both grew up in small towns - I attended the same school from kindergarten through high school graduation, he was at the same school until grade ten. We wanted that kind of learning community for our own kids and we are extremely lucky that we found that in a school very close to our home. We've been fortunate that our kids are able to attend their school right from preschool through grade nine. 

This September, Princess started grade 10. New school, new people... It's been a big adjustment for us all. 

And boy, high school. 

I don't think it's really even necessary for me to say more than that, is it? I have so many really great memories of high school, but I've got my share of bad ones too. And while so many things have changed in our society and in our culture, so many of the quintessential high school experiences are still to be had. The problem is that they're amped up - by technology, by the veneer of advanced maturity that teenagers these days all seem to have, by changing ideology, and by politics, and by so much more. 

It's not just clique's snubbing you in the cafeteria, or a bully in your face all the time. Those actions and attitudes are taken online and can relentless. 

it's not high school kids sneaking their first beer or smoke at a party, it's vaping and hard drugs, and more. 

It's still kids figuring out who they are and what they are.

It's peer pressure, and adult pressure, it's growing expectations and responsibility. 

Honestly, I think I've been as stressed out about the whole high school thing, nearly as much as Princess.  And next thing you know Gamer Boy will be there with her. Angel Face will join him as Princess leaves. 

I won't even comment on how many times I've heard "You've got a kid in high school? I didn't realize you were that old." Old? Really? Really? But hey - I've got another year or two before I even have to think about Little Prince starting preschool, so that should even out some of the ageism right??