Hello, Mama!

Our long, hot summer is coming to an end, and with it comes the beginning 

of a new school year. If you’re like me, it also brings a bittersweet feeling to shop for back-to-school all while wishing my kids weren’t growing up so darn fast! This year, we will have a second-grader and TWO high-school teenagers! Yes, you read that correctly, we will have a freshman AND a senior at the same school this year.

I look at my daughters, who have both grown so much, and it hurts my heart a little to know that this year may be the very last year they will ever spend together in school. So, to help me avoid going down the rabbit hole of the “woulda’, shoulda’ coulda’ emotions, I would like to dedicate this month’s article to my teenage daughters as they enter the 2019-2020 school year. 

Dear Teenage Daughters,

Do you remember the Dr. Seuss book, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” that I had ALL of your grade-school teachers sign for you? That book and all of the words of advice from your former teachers have me feeling a little melancholy. Since I am your mom and I geek out on personal development and words of wisdom, here is my top ten list to help you thrive this school year:

1. Enjoy the journey.You both have not been in the same school

together since grade school. Take time to enjoy the journey even if it seems scary or crazy or overwhelming. Enjoy the car rides to school together (yikes, that scared me a little to write!). And above all, enjoy seeing each other on campus, even if it’s just a head nod as you pass each other from one class to another.

2. Be there for each other (even when you don’t want to). 

I realize that this may be a lot to ask when you two are complete polar opposites and seem to speak a different language, but please try to support each other. Who knows? You might even learn something new!

3. Try new things. Sign up for the club, participate in the rally, go out 

for student council, or try a sport. Whatever it is, just give it a try. 

4. Be brave. Sometimes, the hardest thing to do in high school is to walk up to a new crowd of friends or sit by someone new at lunch or find your voice and speak up for yourself. Whatever the moment is (and you’ll know because the bad roommate in your head will try to tell you all the reasons you “can’t” do it, just count backwards from 5, 4, 3, 2, 1…and go! You CAN do ANYTHING you set your mind to do. I believe in YOU!

5.Seek opportunities to amaze yourself and others. This 

is similar to being brave but with a twist. What sets your soul on fire? In a world where you can be anything, be kind. Sit next to the person who is sitting be herself on the bench. Ask the “quiet boy” to participate in your group class assignment. Share a smile and a compliment with a stranger. Thank your teacher. Trust me, developing this EQ (emotional intelligence) will be a gift that keeps on giving throughout your life.

6. Make a new friend or two. Life can be boring without meeting 

new people. There will be times when you think; I don’t need a new friend. But, trust me, you never know when a new friend turns into the friend of a lifetime. My core group of “Lifers,” aka my true soul sisters, are ones I met in high school (and for this mama, that was 28 years ago!).

7. Be your own hero. There will be many days when your parents or even your teacher will sweep in to save the day. I challenge you to seek moments when you can be your own hero.  

8. Create a club together. I know you both have talked about creating a club for Youth Against Alzheimer’s in memory of Noni. It makes my heart smile to know that my daughters would want to honor my mama, their Noni, in such a special way. I believe that your efforts will create a lasting legacy not only for our family but also for any student with a loved one on the Alzheimer’s journey. 

9. Be Yourself! Everyone else is already taken. I love that 

quote by Oscar Wilde because it really does say it all. Be YOU! Whether you’re into a new fashion trend, singing while walking to class, dancing down the hallways, or just loving to read by yourself during lunch. Whatever makes you, Y-O-U, embrace it! 

10. Give your Mama some grace. I know that there will be many days when you are frustrated by me or by a decision I make. I ask you to please give me some grace. This school year is going to be ALL. ABOUT. THE. FEELINGS. And, there will be times when it’s even a little too much for me. So, let’s work together to thrive through it, learn through it and above all, love through it. You both make my heart smile every day. Here’s to an amazing school year, my loves. Ready, set, go!