Saturday, June 5, 2010

Independence

Even though Jack is still a month away from becoming an official teenager, he seems like a different child than the one finishing up 6th grade last year. He likes naps after school. He'd rather play his itouch or wii games than hang out with us. He's thinks it's awesome when he purposely breaks something (his brother's bed and sister's scooter). He doesn't want any suggestions of what to wear or how to do his hair.

One thing that remained the same is his determination to get good grades. He finished 7th grade with 19 A's and 2 A-'s. He worked really hard and was hoping for another 4.0 this last quarter but ended up getting an A- in his computer technical skills class because of his grade on his last project -- business cards. I had to agree with the teacher. He chose an orange font with shadows. It was tricky to read. Straight A's or not, we are very proud of him!

Being honored as a member of The National Junior Honor Society of Secondary Schools.

Refreshments with a few of his best friends

At his final band concert last month, he decided to exercise his independence with his choice of shoes. I tried to talk him into wearing his sunday shoes but then realized it wasn't worth the battle. I remember being a teenager and wanting more freedom and control. It's hard as a parent to let go of that control and watch and hope your child makes the right choices but clothing and hair seem like minor things to give up.

This teenage phase is still new to us with Jack being the oldest. I'm nervous for next year. 8th Grade seems like the year when kids become more apathetic and friends become the most important thing in their life. I know I'm going to need a lot of patience with this next phase. I have a hard time not being in control but I also know how important it is for kids to be able to make their own choices and learn from the consequences of those decisions. That's easier said than done. There's so many decisions as a parent in this digital era--facebook? cell phone? itouch with internet access? private email? sleepovers? And there's no right or wrong answer, just what works best for each family. We need to get it figured out quickly because we're going to have a houseful of teenagers in no time. Wish me luck!

9 comments:

Grandma Bethany said...

Lots of decisions...sometimes I wonder if I had it to do all over if I would have made better ones...probably done everything the same. Jack is changing for sure. I have noticed but nothing wrong with that. He is brilliant, motivated and has good friends and parent's. He is and will continue to be a good example to his younger siblings.

Jack said...

Jack didn't purposely break Ryan's bed.

JC said...

I really liked this post, we are going through the exact same thing here! Our oldest will be turning 13next week. Its hard watching them grow and change and it seems to happen over night...one day they are digging in the dirt with their army men and the next they are to "cool" to run around and play. A Mother is always so proud to see their children grow but at the same time it just tugs at your heart as they leave one phase of their childhood behind and go on to another.
P.S Jack is a very handsome boy and I thought he looked very nice in his non sunday shoes at the band concert :)

Kristin said...

We've had the no sleepover rule from day 1. I pray my kiddos are no where near the trouble makers my hubby & I were as teens! I least we won't be naive. Good luck :)

Andrea said...

From the bottom of my heart I wish you good luck. Even though I'm far off from the teenager stage I love to hear your perspective on it. You're such a great mom Heather- thanks for being such a great example.

Karol said...

I love that Jack cleared the air on the bed-breaking incident. I also love that you're going through all this one year before me! :))))

DKAZ said...

Good luck lady! I love Jack's comment about breaking the bed-he really is independent!!!

Love it! He is such a cute kid and seems to have it pretty together-consider yourself lucky.

Emily said...

Good luck... even though I know you'll do great with a house full of teens!

Lisa said...

Oh, gosh, Heather. I am so there with you. It makes me want to cry. It does make me cry! It's so hard, this letting go thing.

What a handsome young man you've got there. Nice work on the grades too!