« Meet the Bloggers | Main | In Honor and In Memory »
September 5, 2007
Senioritis -- Chronicling the Senior Year
Spencer drove off early this morning. One of the humanities teachers asked a few seniors to prepare an opening ceremony. This is a special day for Spence (and for me). Today is the first day of his high school senior year at West Sound Academy.
According to Wikipedia, “Senioritis is a term used colloquially in the United States and Canada to describe a decreased motivation toward studies….Many high school and college students find themselves in a type of lame duck situation: their plans are made and a new chapter in their life is about to begin, so finishing the current chapter becomes just a formality or holding pattern."
Funny, that’s how I feel as a parent, like a lame duck in a holding pattern. Not that my job is over. Far from it. But the day-to-day job of parenting, or better stated nagging, is winding down. I’ve turned my nag-o-meter off. My son has perfected the fine teenage art of ignoring 95% of what I say and blowing off the rest. So I save my breath and only nag when safety is at issue (at least that's my goal).
Last night I attended the Back to School meeting. I sat near the back of the Commons with a couple of other senior moms. During the question and answer period, a man in the front row asked if the homework Web site was available to parents for checking up on their child’s assignments. I quietly (and respectfully) chuckled. One of my fellow senior moms turned to me and whispered, “Must be a middle school parent.”
I nodded in agreement.
It’s taken me 11 years to finally realize Spencer’s schoolwork is his own. I must trust him to know the importance of the senior year when applying for scholarships, the value of an on-time record at work, and the significance of following-through on his commitments.
I’ve also come to realize that what I say can do more harm than good. Stifle it is my self-directed motto for Spencer’s senior year.
Don’t get me wrong. Spence and I enjoy a wonderful mother-son relationship. I can’t wait to visit him in college. (He’s leaning toward colleges in the east. Great excuse for me to take a trip to New York or Boston. Visit family and friends I rarely see.)
And, once he leaves home, I promise to keep his room somewhat intact.
Photo of Spence in Nicaragua, December 2006.
Trackback Pings
TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.elizabethcoplan.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-t.fcgi/203
Comments
Dear Elizabeth,
It is hard to believe that Spencer is a senior. Houston and I were just talking about what a beautiful child he was and how lovely your family was. We wish him the very best and thank you so much for keeping us in the loop.
Love Samantha and her crew.
Posted by: samantha jane young/perkins | September 5, 2007 6:31 PM
