It happened just recently.....my son decided he was too grown-up for a hug. I knew this day was coming. I relished the days of boo-boos and kisses that made things all better, but as he came to middle school, it was only a matter of time until I had to grow up too and realize it was time for me to change because he had changed! What a life-changing moment that was.
It's a universal moment of realization when we suddenly look at our child and realize he or she is growing up. We ask ourselves, have we done enough to help them make decisions? Have we prepared them to handle middle school? Can they deal with having that many classes? What if someone bullies them? What if they are the bully? Will they make friends? Our questions and concerns grow just as fast as they do, it seems.
Please know that all of those questions have answers. Academically, Hopewell offers support in forms of the Homework Hive (open in the mornings and after school for students to get help with homework), extra tutoring by classroom teachers, parent/teacher conferences, three-week progress reports so you know how your student is doing, and access through Home Access to see your child's grades on a daily basis.
For personal concerns, we have an excellent counseling staff to assist with difficulties. We offer monthly character education programs to our students and we focus on appropriate choices and anti-bullying responsibilities at our school. Talk with your child; ask more than "How was your day?" Volunteer how your day at work was. Establish routines or rituals in your home to give your student a sense of being grounded so that even when school is topsy-turvy on a given day, home is predictable and safe and a warm place to land. Even if you can't still give them a hug, you can nuture them in many other ways!
Our journey as parents continues on....let's enjoy it together!
If you are a new sixth grade parent, be sure to attend Transitions this Wednesday and next Wednesday for more exciting information on your new middle schooler. If you have not registered and want to attend, please email me at
bonneproofs@sbcglobal.net and put TRANSITIONS in the subject line. The program is from 6:45-8pm.
Until next time...
Bonne