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4 Lessons from My Son’s First Middle School Awards Ceremony
I thought I had it all figured out after years of school events. I’ve endured hot-gluing 27 third-graders’ handprints for holiday crafts and survived a grueling 14-hour field trip on a bus with a bunch of sweaty 10-year-olds. And let’s not forget the time I became the target during a kindergarten balloon toss on a chaotic field day. I was a seasoned pro.
Then came middle school. When my son’s sixth-grade teacher sent me an invitation to the year-end awards ceremony, I quickly realized that I was no longer the expert I thought I was. Middle school parenting comes with a whole new playbook.
1. Blending In is Key
He wanted me to attend, but then again, he didn’t. My son flip-flopped on whether he wanted me there for the awards ceremony more times than I can count. In jest, I suggested that I’d show up in sunglasses and a wig to maintain my incognito status. To my surprise, he took me seriously and thought it was a good idea! As he walked off, I almost mentioned my plan to wear an “I’m Jake’s Mom” T-shirt, but I decided against it after witnessing enough eye rolls for one day.
2. My Stardom Has Faded
In elementary school, my entrance felt like a celebrity walk. Kids would cheer, “Jake’s mom is here!” Everyone wanted a hug or a chance to show off their latest project. My son would proudly introduce me, and honestly, I sometimes volunteered just to bask in the limelight for a bit. But that was then. Now, I left my wig at home, hoping he wouldn’t remember. I sat among other parents in the back of the auditorium while he sauntered in with his friends, completely ignoring me. I tried to convince myself that this was a sign of good parenting, but it stung a little.
3. Waving is Out, Nodding is In
Just as I was adjusting to my new seat in the back, I caught a glimpse of him searching the room. When our eyes met, I waved enthusiastically, but his face flushed with embarrassment, despite no one else noticing. He rolled his eyes and turned away. Talk about feeling lost! The rules had changed, and I was struggling to keep up. As the awards were handed out—everything from “Best Flag Helper” to “Most Dedicated Book Club Member”—I amused myself by mentally creating my own award categories (the “Nose Picker Award” had me chuckling). Finally, after what felt like an eternity, his name was called. I clapped politely, trying to suppress my urge to leap up and cheer. As he returned to his seat, he looked my way again. This time, I kept it cool with a nod and a smile, which earned me a reciprocal nod instead of an eye roll. Progress!
4. He Wants Photos, But Not Too Close
As the ceremony wrapped up, another mom rushed to the front to snap a picture of her son with the principal. Suddenly, my son shot me “The Look,” the one that clearly said, “Please don’t take any photos of me.” I nodded in understanding, and relief washed over him. I discreetly asked a friend with a big camera to capture the moment instead. The photo turned out great—I could see the boy he is and the man he’s becoming. And he looked perfect, every strand of hair in place.
In the end, I learned that these moments are bittersweet as he grows up. While my role might be changing, I’m still proud of him.
For more insights and tips on parenting, check out our other blog posts here. If you’re looking for resources on pregnancy, the Womens Health site is an excellent place to start. And for anyone considering at-home options, you can explore the impregnator for more information.
In summary, navigating my son’s transition into middle school has taught me that parenting evolves, and I’m just here to adapt to the new rules.