Hello Jr. High!

I just got back from Dan's sixth grade promotion/graduation/celebration thing. Surprisingly, it was a little sad for me. I know I'll still be going to the elementary school more than I want to for the next 6 years, but I guess deep down I'm not really ready from him to grow up. I didn't have a moments hesitation when he started kindergarten, but I'm just not ready for him to be a teenager and go to Jr. High. But, I know I can't stop it - he has grown about six inches in the last year, he thinks his voice is changing (but I think maybe he is just trying to talk in a lower register), he has armpit hair (ick!), he wears boats for shoes (size 11 1/2), he no longer thinks girls are gross, and he has interests that have nothing to do with me. I'm struggling with how to be a mom that doesn't hover and overprotect, but still has a say in what he does, who he hangs out with and what goes on in his brain. My mom was always the cool mom that all my friends wished their mom was like. I want to be that. But then again, the world is different now and I don't want him getting himself into a mess because I'm more his friend than his mom. How do I make him realize that the rules still apply to him and that there are consequences, without being the kind of mom that he wants to get away from? Then again, maybe he'll figure it all out on his own and I'm worrying for nothing. After all, he is a good kid, and I'm very proud of him.

On a funny note, when Ms. Wilson (the teacher over Student Council) was introducing the officers from this year, she called up each of the four girls and gave them their certificate, then she introduced Dan by calling him "the stud muffin, Mr. Macho, who is always surrounded by girls". It made me laugh, and it embarrassed Dan. I'm glad he got a little embarrassed, and I'm glad it wasn't by me!

Congrats on being a successful sixth grader, and just make sure you continue to do your best! I'm proud of you, and I love you, Dan.