I dropped my 13-year-old son off at his middle school recently and watched him warily eye the teen-aged jungle he was entering. I recognized that look from my own scared daze of middle school past, wondering how the heck we all survive those years.
I know it’s not supposed to be that way, but let’s be honest: some are wolves and some are lambs and some are in-between.
I learned how to fight early but avoided it whenever I could. I’ve told my son to avoid unnecessary battles – successfully so far, as I don’t think he’s had to fight yet although he’s helped break up one or two – but to defend himself if he had to. I won’t compromise on that no matter what policies are.
My son is a smart, funny kid who loves football. I think he’ll be all right, but I fear for those lost souls drifting through hallways tangled in timidity or simply gentle natures. Who looks out for them amidst the hard rush of youthful bravado or bullying?
I think most teachers and administrators do the best they can, but it’s a jungle out there, folks. And the jungle tango starts at home, with parents and siblings who either bring out the best in our natures or fan the flames of anger, fear and disillusionment. Government can try to fix stupid, but it’s hard to fix mean.
I also feel for our teachers. They are held to a higher standard, which is right, but often face unrealistic expectations to make up in seven hours what some households don’t do for their children in 17 hours of each day.
And then there’s the worry when they leave home. My two college girls are driving today to join us for the Labor Day weekend. I pray fervently for their safety, that cars will behave and, more importantly, drivers will behave.
What else can I say. The rain has started, thankfully, but my heart and soul is darkened worrying about my little ones.
Yes, they’re not so little anyone. But the worries don’t change; they just get bigger, too.
Rod's previous entries:
Aug. 24: WebMD's top 10 tips for parenting and my 5 thrown inAug. 17: The high price of the educated lifeAug. 9: The Double They Don't Care SwitchAug. 2: Sticks and Stones can break my bones but words can always humor meJuly 27: Rock of AgesJuly 19: Are we ready for some football: Need you ask?July 12: Non-theories of a mad dadJuly 5: Drive Safely, he saidJune 27: Time bandit: Kids growing up way too fast
