Where did my little girl go?
So last night Riley and I attended the “Davis Middle School Transition Dinner”. Despite my youthful appearance-I’m apparently old enough to have a kid in middle school. That thought alone freaks me out.
We got there and were fed hot dogs and hamburgers. I guess some people thought it was all about the free food and brought their entire families (weird?). After we ate the principal (who looks like Millie Vanilli) got up and made some announcements and invited all the students to leave (I guess they took a tour of the school, got introduce to all the clubs, played games etc.). Then this lady got up and gave a great talk about adolescence for a little over an hour. It was informative, funny, and downright horrifying. Up until now, talks about kids and drugs, sex, bullying etc. were more or less only theoretical. This time, that lady was talking about the dangers that my actual child will be exposed to and I’m freaked out. I think I’m most worried about the bullying part. Girls can be downright evil to one another and I hate to see her at either end of the “mean girl” garbage.
The lady gave lots of good info and tips. For example, our brains aren’t fully formed until 24 and so teenagers decision making skills are lacking. Interesting. She also gave lots of good tips on communication and setting limits that I will be implementing.
I hope that Riley will always feel comfortable talking to me. She is the second most private person I know (Scott’s the first) and I worry she might not tell me things. On the way home, I was telling her how important it is for her to confide in me. I told her I would be disappointed in her if she ever made wrong choices but I would love her no matter what and I would want her to come to me, before she got in over her head. She told me, “If I ever took drugs-I’d be mad at myself”. Here’s for hoping that all of her choices will stay so black and white.
We got there and were fed hot dogs and hamburgers. I guess some people thought it was all about the free food and brought their entire families (weird?). After we ate the principal (who looks like Millie Vanilli) got up and made some announcements and invited all the students to leave (I guess they took a tour of the school, got introduce to all the clubs, played games etc.). Then this lady got up and gave a great talk about adolescence for a little over an hour. It was informative, funny, and downright horrifying. Up until now, talks about kids and drugs, sex, bullying etc. were more or less only theoretical. This time, that lady was talking about the dangers that my actual child will be exposed to and I’m freaked out. I think I’m most worried about the bullying part. Girls can be downright evil to one another and I hate to see her at either end of the “mean girl” garbage.
The lady gave lots of good info and tips. For example, our brains aren’t fully formed until 24 and so teenagers decision making skills are lacking. Interesting. She also gave lots of good tips on communication and setting limits that I will be implementing.
I hope that Riley will always feel comfortable talking to me. She is the second most private person I know (Scott’s the first) and I worry she might not tell me things. On the way home, I was telling her how important it is for her to confide in me. I told her I would be disappointed in her if she ever made wrong choices but I would love her no matter what and I would want her to come to me, before she got in over her head. She told me, “If I ever took drugs-I’d be mad at myself”. Here’s for hoping that all of her choices will stay so black and white.
Your millie vanilli principal wouldn't be Mr. Martin would he? He had a lot to do with my kids at JH Middle school and Thomas Stone, my kids liked him . . .
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that they did those kind of nights here in Charles county. I think its a good idea. I must have missed them for my kids . . . Kewel!
And way to go Riley!
I'm a little nervous to have a middle schooler also. I didn't get to go to the one they had for Mattawoman... maybe I can get more details from you :)
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh...how cute is that picture of Riley? Riley is an awesome girl and will do great in middle school,although I can understand your stress.
ReplyDeleteMiddle School is the most frustration time in a childs life IMO. They think they are all that and a bag of chips. They get lippy and you really want to sell them down river. But then they get their brains back and you like them once again!
ReplyDelete