Confession Tuesday

Okay, it's Tuesday. It's late. And I'm whipped. The first day of high school wore me out! First, the bus was really early and the kidlet had to run to catch it. Of course, once I returned home (I was walking her to end of our complex drive), I was on the phone calling the transportation department. My guy (the rational, calm one) told me to take a minute to breathe and to promise him I wouldn't go sistagirl on the unfortunate soul who answered the call. I rolled my eyes at him and when the clerk answered, in my calm, measured voice, I expressed my concern about the time of the pickup. Afterall, I had called more than a week ago to be sure I knew what time my teen was suppose to be at the stop.

After school, I asked for a complete recap of her day, I added all her teachers' contact information to my new email account("Honey, so their mail won't get buried in your bottomless pit of an email account"). Earlier, I spoke with the assistant principal again about working with a newly formed group to help minority students close their achievement gaps.

I confess I was not this involved with my oldest. I approached her schooling the same way my parents did with us: at a distance with firm expectations. And yes, I thought I had done my parental duties. I realize this is awful to admit but it's the truth. From my own experience, I know that approach wasn't enough, but I hadn't learned and managed to break old ideas and habits.

With this kidlet, I'm trying to be a better parent. This time I do know better so I have to step up. But, this is work. Of course, my guy says part of my exhaustion is my resistance to change. Just because I know what to do, know that's it's better, doesn't make it easy and frankly not all that desirable.

Today the president asked our kids to take responsibility, to try harder, not to let themselves down. Well, if we can expect this from our children, I have no excuse. Yes, we can POTUS! (couldn't resist)