Fourteen

E started high school this year and she’s changed so much from the 10 year old who started middle school. That child was beyond stressed about going to a new school and taking the city bus there. And that was after I had her taking the one week Summer program so she could meet some of the other kids and get a feel for the school. E of this year was calm and together. She figured out when she needed to leave for school on her own. No anxiety, no loss of sleep, no stomachaches. And when she couldn’t find the stairs to the 9th floor, she asked anyone taller than her (so almost everyone). When she needed to figure out which way to go, she used her phone’s compass (the school corridors are North, East, South, West, and Center). She was organized, confident, and resourceful.

After the issues she had with friends in middle school, E was ready for a new start in high school. On the one hand, it broke my heart when her friends ignored her in 7th grade. On the other hand, it made remote schooling so much easier for her. She didn’t have to deal with all that social crap anymore. Now, she’s got new friends and she’s hoping schools won’t be shut down again because she’s happy. They aren’t allowed out of the school for lunch but she has met up with friends after school on Fridays. Usually to go to the bookstore. My child is so wild and so mine…

E works so hard at school. The child is driven. She’s even standing up for herself in group projects and laying down the law if necessary. She also plays viola in one of the string orchestras (there’s 4 of them but the 2 junior orchestras combine for the school concerts). That’s a daily class on top of her regular schedule. When she isn’t doing all that, she reads one or two books per week, listens to music, and does creative stuff. Painting, drawing, trying new styles on that golden mane of hers, with wrapping Christmas presents… I used to be exactly like that.

We still get a bit of attitude from E but it’s generally when she needs to be alone or is stressed. Mostly, we get the funny, sarcastic kid we love. She can be loads of fun when she’s relaxed and happy and calling herself superior child. Honestly, she’s a great kid. Easy to let her do her thing and just keep an eye on her to make sure she asks for help before she’s overwhelmed. It’s a pleasure and an honor to be her parent.