High School? How Can This Happen?

I had thought about writing a post about the snow, but really even I am "snowed" out. But, wait volleyball is in full swing. I could write about trekking from tournament to tournament following my daughters' teams. But... maybe another time. I definitely need to write about what I am going to do with the rest of my life...but I need to figure that out first. Baby steps...

Do you ever have a post brewing in your head that you know you need to get down on paper, but can't? I have a post that I need to write, but if I write it I can no longer ignore the reality of the situation. It's nothing to do with the health of my family or a possible move across country. But, it is a life-changing event for our family and my oldest daughter.

Warning: Saccharine, sugary sweet, and sappy paragraphs ahead. Watch for falling cliches. You have been warned.

When my daughter was born I could barely visualize her starting school, let alone graduating from high school. She was a tiny, delicate baby. So vulnerable. So in need of my care and support. I was adamant that I would look after my daughter 24/7 with my husband as my wingman and my mother on call.

As my daughter approached her 2nd birthday, I could no longer ignore that my life as part WAHM and part SAHM was in dire straits. I was exhausted keeping up with my toddler during the day while working on editorial assignments at naptime, after her bedtime, and on weekends. Oh, and did I mention I was newly pregnant, too??

With great reluctance I began Preschool Research Project #1. I did an in-depth preschool search for each child. Over the years, I have had kids at 4 different preschools. For my search, I called, grilled, and visited preschools and day care centers. The day I put the deposit down for her at a preschool in Damascus was a bittersweet day. I was excited for her to have experiences in the new world of school and learning, but concerned as she would be away from me for the first time.

In a few short years, my oldest daughter moved from her first preschool to a pre-K school to elementary school and finally to middle school. She is a "never looks back" type of kid. At 5, she walked on the school bus and never gave me a backward glance. So, it is no surprise that she is ready and raring to go to high school.

High School? Gulp! I can barely say the name of her school without feeling all queasy and worried. I am currently prone to thinking "Where did all the time go?" or " What? She can't possibly be ready for high school. Didn't I buy her a Teletubbies lunchbox for preschool not so long ago??"

My teen is handling the transition to high school and my worries the way she handles everything...with confidence and strength. Two weeks ago she guided me through the high school course catalog...patiently explaining to me what courses she needed for 9th grade. I was tongue-tied of course. "But, only yesterday you were writing an A"! To my daughter who always looks forward, never back, I am incorrigible.

Moms of high schoolers? Do you have any advice for how to survive high school? I know my teen will be just fine. As for me, the jury is still out.

When not fretting over her children growing up too quickly, Jill Berry writes about raising preteens and parenting tweens in Baltimore. If you are a DC/MD/VA Mommy, you will want to join www.DC.CityMommy.com: a lively message board for DC area moms who want to connect, discuss, learn, and save! Jill is the new City Leader!