What is it about the end of the first semester of senior year of HS? Maybe it is the EA acceptances coming in, a.k.a. "s**t just got real." Maybe it is the 18th birthday right around the corner, and one semester of HS left to go.
As a parent I'm experiencing a "time is running out" reaction, which I realize is probably only partly rational. It just seems that all of a sudden the time window is closing fast for our senior to develop the optimal college-level study habits, social anxiety coping skills, independent living skills, and general street smarts and common sense that One Must Possess Before Going Off to College.
Like most active CC members and our kids, nearly all concerns that we have on her behalf are what most would call "first world problems." So would we, taking into account her school performance, dedication to her EC and her part-time job, safe driving, avoiding the typical risky behaviors etc.
That said, with the combination of some activities related to mid-Dec scholarship application deadlines, finals week, end-of-semester due dates for some classwork, etc. I was suddenly struck by that "time is running out" reaction, a.k.a. "when is she going to learn X, develop Y, internalize Z between now and the first day of college"? Even though my left brain knows the answer is "whatever she hasn't learned before she gets there, she will learn after she gets there."
Does this strike a chord with anyone? I'm not sure I articulated it very well. I realize parents have to let young people's growth follow its own course at some point. She's our first so we're still finding our way.
↧