Young people are experiencing excitement, stress and frustration as the new school year has begun. Some are attending new schools, facing puberty and most are just plain nervous not knowing what the new school year may bring.
This is a time that is challenging for both parents and young people. There are so many questions being asked: “What should I wear?” or “Will my teacher be boring?” Parents are asking themselves, how can we get back in the swing of things as we go through financial difficulties?
As parents, we are focused on our children’s needs while allowing them to be in awe of the educational experience. We try to ensure that they have the supplies that are requested, money for school lunches and all other expenses that are needed.
In this and other communities around the country, young people are being bullied by their schoolmates, tested by their so-called friends and being picked on because they don’t have cool clothes or buy their lunches.
It is hard enough to provide the basics for our children while we sometimes have no idea of the day they had. While we are doing our best not to show them how we are struggling to make ends meet, we fall short sometimes in getting to really know our own children.
We do need to make them aware that we are not only interested in their day, but also that it takes skill and real juggling to make their day happen. I have learned the best relationship you can have with your child is one where you actually listen and learn about them by what they are saying.
All children want to have the “cool parents” and in some cases every now and then that can be OK, as long as the titles are clearly defined and children know while we are “cool,” we take parenting seriously. Children appreciate discipline and, in their own way, like hearing “no” at times. They get to blame you to their friends and this can often keep them from going along with the crowd.
It all starts at home.
Teachers are also gearing up and hopeful for a great year. They are full of anticipation of educating the masses and eager to make their mark by helping these young individuals move to the next level. Teachers are being vigorously challenged with curriculum, classroom behavior issues and a whole new year of attitudes.
We must take our hats off to all teachers and humbly applaud the efforts and sparkle they ignite in our children.
There you have it. The school year has begun. While so many of us are going through trying times, stress can set in. We must remember that others are unemployed, homeless and in dire straits. For them it is hard to get excited about the new school year.
I can relate because I have been there. When times get rough, this is when you get creative. Look for programs that can help, talk to others, contact churches and above all else remember that your child needs you more than anything else.
When you get right down to it, our hope this year should be for this year to be better than the last. Have a great school year.
Angel Roberson, mother and emergency room technician at Providence St. Peter Hospital for 11 years, is a member of The Olympian’s Diversity Panel. She can be reached at angelroberson30@yahoo.com.
