It’s hard to believe, but my son just embarked on his high school journey a couple of weeks ago. Yikes. This feels markedly different from when he started middle school. For starters, there’s no longer a lengthy school supply list! I used to relish those trips to the store, picking out supplies together, even if his preferences didn’t always align with mine. Remember the excitement of choosing that pencil case adorned with cool designs? (Not a chance, Mom.) But high school is a whole different ballgame—no more endless lists of items, from crayons to glue sticks. Instead, he now gets to handpick his electives (art, music, film, photography—so many sophisticated options).
What truly sets high school apart, though, is the reality of what comes next. After preschool, he transitioned to elementary school—a leap from just a few hours in class to a full day of first grade. Then came middle school, filled with the thrill of changing classrooms and lockers. But high school is unique; once it’s over, my role as a mother will shift dramatically.
Thank goodness I have four years to get ready for this change because the idea of a home without my son every day is something I can barely fathom. So, I won’t let this time slip away. I understand that in four short years…
- The house will feel eerily quiet.
- I’ll glance up from my laptop at 3:30, but no one will rush through the door.
- My laundry pile will shrink significantly.
- I won’t have to hide birthday presents anymore.
- The neighborhood kids won’t knock on our door.
- My calendar will lack “drop-off” and “pick-up” reminders.
- The piano will gather dust, untouched.
- The lively text notifications from his phone will fade.
- I won’t find myself hurrying home to catch the bus.
- My grocery cart will be filled with mundane items, without any fun treats like Oreos.
Our family game nights will change, and I won’t witness my son and his dad engaged in a competitive game of Scrabble. The biggest adventure of my life will take a new direction.
However, it’s important to remember that my son will still be reachable. He can call or text me anytime. We can video chat through Skype (if only they could invent hug-a-vision Skype!). I can send him care packages, especially when he’s juggling those end-of-semester projects. He’ll return home for holidays, and he will be out there doing what he’s meant to do.
I know this transition will be tough. Parting with someone you love is never straightforward. But rather than a final goodbye, it’s more of a “Call me! Text me! Video chat!” In the meantime, I need to cherish these moments, engage with my son more deeply, show him my appreciation, and hold him just a little longer. While my role is evolving, it’s far from over. A mother’s love is eternal. Though he may not require my daily presence, a daughter or son will always need their mother—and a mother can always send a thoughtful package of goodies, like Oreos, with a little note to remind him to stay in contact.
If you’re interested in similar topics, this article on life after high school offers great insights. And for those looking to explore home insemination options, Make a Mom provides reliable at-home insemination kits, along with resources like IVF Babble for pregnancy and home insemination information.
Summary
As our children transition into high school, the role of motherhood evolves profoundly. While the changes can be daunting, they also offer new ways to connect and support our kids as they prepare for their futures.
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