Going Back to School is Scary

Two months ago I went back to college nearly 20 years after I graduated college the first time. The why I went back to school isn’t all that interesting or important except to say that I finally realized that there really is no time like right now to get on with life’s to do list.  Here’s the list that helped me decide on this path.

I’ve learned a lot in the past two months: where the good parking places are, that a too heavy backpack can do considerable damage to a middle-aged spine, and that the most effective studying happens at the library away from the washing machine.

But one of the most surprising revelations is how scary it is to walk into a classroom where you don’t know anyone, don’t know anything about the subject matter and are unsure of your own capabilities.

Courageous Kids

Our kids do this on a regular basis and frankly, I think we forget that it takes a lot of courage to walk into a classroom for the first time. I know I was grateful for my underarm protection my first day.

I think of the kids of our military families who relocate so often and the skills they must develop to feel comfortable starting over again in new schools. Not easy.

I think of my own daughter who skipped first grade and left all her friends behind to accelerate to second grade. There were some rough patches but she thrived and it was the best decision we’ve made yet regarding her education. Remember that if you’re considering a grade skip for your gifted child.

So when I feel like I don’t belong in a college classroom at my age I think of my girl who boldly marched into second grade at age six like she owned it. Reason number 32 why she’s my hero.

 

2 Responses

  1. I just wanted to thank you for putting this site together. I actually cried reading through your site,(and I have searched high and low to find other parents going thru the same stuff) I feel a lot less like a visitor from another planet having found this site. My son is 6, 1st grader, highly gifted. I am the mom with the frazzled crazy look………and yes there are books all over my house, in my purse, car…………we have to take a tote bag to the library every time we go.

    • The Common Mom says

      Thank you for the kind comment! Parenting a gifted child can be a lonely path, which is exactly why I started this blog and Facebook page. I’m totally familiar with that frazzled look – it’s my norm! I look forward to the conversation!

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