Last August, my son Tom and I walked out of his counselor’s office happy that he got every class and teacher he wanted for his sophomore year in high school. He even got into a film class, which he was really excited about.
Our joy was short-lived though when school started two weeks later, and it turned out that his second period class was not the right section of Spanish. He already met his foreign language requirement and was only taking the class as an elective, and it seemed the easiest choice was to just find another one. Unfortunately the only class available was Early Childhood Education.
The class was far from Tom’s first choice, but he decided that being the only guy in a class of all girls was not going to be too painful. The students worked with young children three days a week, and I thought it might give him a chance to see if a career in teaching was something that might interest him.
What neither one of us expected was that this course would help bridge a gap that had started to develop between us.
Tom and I had always enjoyed a special relationship, but for the last year that was changing. Now that he was in high school, we didn’t seem to have much to talk about anymore. He was often busy and stressed out with classes. Every free moment he had he wanted to spend with his friends. My once-welcomed questions about his day were often met with a one word answer of, fine. We were frequently getting into arguments. Even though I knew this was perfectly normal, I missed the son I used to know.
As the year progressed I noticed that Tom was becoming eager to tell me about his day with the three-year-olds. I loved hearing stories about the funny things the kids said and did. I also saw that my son was enjoying the positive feedback he was getting from his teacher and the other students. It turns out that he had a real gift with the kids.
My favorite part of this class was that Tom got a small taste of what it’s like to be responsible for small children.This was illustrated when he came into the door one day, looking completely wiped out.
“Oh, mom the kids were crazy today. Just nuts. I’m completely exhausted.” This was said as he dramatically dropped onto the sofa.
“Tom, the class is in the morning, You are still feeling the effects? What happened?” I couldn’t help but giggle at his tone and expression.
“Well, as soon as I walked into class, the teacher grabbed me and told me that my buddy was crying outside and refusing to come in. So I had to go out and help get him into the classroom.”
“He came in for you?”
“Well, yes, but it wasn’t easy. He was really sad and it took him about 10 minutes to calm down. Then I finally got him settled and to the table for craft time when one of the little girls just throws up all over the table. No warning or anything. I mean she was just sitting there, looking fine, and then all of sudden she was puking all over the place.”
“Oh no.” We are now both laughing at his story.
“So, then we had to get all of the kids away from the craft table and to another activity while the teacher cleaned up. Mom, it was just insane. I mean you can’t even imagine how crazy it was.”
“No. I can’t. Imagine a kid getting sick and having to take care of other children at the same time. Wow.” This was said in my most sarcastic tone.
“After all Tom, I never had to deal with that.”
He looked at me and started to laugh.
“Well maybe you do know something about this.”
“Thanks Tom.”
As the year went on, I saw him develop lesson plans and create games for the kids. We would talk about different learning theories he was being taught, what child threw a tantrum, or what his teacher told the class they could try next time it happened.
My son was entering a bit of my world. Children and education have always been something that has keenly interested me. I love that I have had the opportunity to be home with my kids, and before the writing bug got me, had seriously considered going back to school to become a teacher. Wouldn’t it be great if Tom decided teaching was the career for him?
As it turned out, the film class he took this year was really what sparked his imagination and became his true passion. Next year all of his electives will be centered around this, and he won’t have time for any more education classes.
I am thrilled that, just like me, Tom has found something that he really loves. And I am looking forward to hearing all about his film classes and what he is learning and discovering. But I will always be grateful for the class that brought the two of us a little closer together at a time when it was so easy to grow apart.
Aw, I love that the education class brought you two a bit closer and still couldn’t help but smile when Tom assumed you couldn’t understand juggling multiple kids and a sick kid at the same time!!
Janine Huldie recently posted…MotherHood Is Joyous and Fragile
It was so funny!!!! He was really wiped out too! Lol! xo
Isn’t it wonderful when fate and destiny conspire in your favor?
It really is Mike!
This was such a nice read. I have a 10 year old son and we are so close now and I always fear the dreaded teen years that folks keep warning about. I’m glad you and your son were able to find something to connect over.
Yanique Chambers recently posted…30 Kid-Friendly Staycation Activities
It’s hard, I really never thought it would happen to Tom and I!!! Even though I know it’s important it just kills me! This class was such a blessing! Thanks.
Such a sweet story!
Thank you so much!
i LOVE this story!!!
nancy@skinnykitchen,com recently posted…Skinny Green Beens, Caesar-Style
Thank you sweet friend! xoxoxo
Sometimes the best things come from unexpected places. Love this!
Mary Widdicks recently posted…Eight Important Life Lessons I’ve Learned From Baby Poop
It’s so true Mary! xo
This is really sweet and it seems as though taking this class was a blessing for you both!
Nicole Johnson recently posted…Pixie, Bob or the Farrah Fawcett: Mom Gets a Cut
It really was Nicole! Thanks so much!
This is so wonderful to read. My son, my firstborn, is my heart. He is the sweetest 12 year old on the planet and we are close, but I just know a change is a’comin. Your story gives me hope and I LOL’d at the “sudden puking”! WELCOME TO PARENTHOOD, KID! That class is like built-in birth control! Great post.
RachRiot recently posted…No Justice
Rachel my dad said the class should be a requirement for the same reason!!!! I know, it’s hard as they get older. I never thought Tom and I would ever have a tough time of it but when he turned 15 it was as if he was captured by aliens!! But it does get better!!!! I have to say coming from a family of all girls I never realized just how special the mom-son bond is. I love being a boy mom!! xo
When my son was a senior in high school he coached a youth football team. It was quite entertaining to listen to his stories about wrangling a bunch of 9 year olds – it seemed like it was 5 minutes before that I had been doing that with him!
Sharon Greenthal recently posted…The Reason Mad Men Breaks My Heart
Sharon I am really going to miss it!! It’s hysterical! And it does go so, so, fast!!!!
Very cool.
It’s always neat when one of the kids comes to me, to talk about something I’ve dealt with as a parent, and I get to raise an eyebrow and drawl, “Gee, I can’t imagine…” Watching them realize that, oh hey! Mom’s had to do that! is fun, and leads to a lot of conversation. Even an apology now and then, LOL
The Imp recently posted…Potty Training Psychosis
It’s so true!!! Well, I know I am always telling my parents I’m sorry for all that I did!! Lol!
That is a very sweet story.
Oh, Kathy,I loved this so much! It’s so HARD to find things to connect with our children as they enter teenage-hood! My daughter is finishing up her freshman year of high school (!!!) and some of my best memories of this first year are driving home with her and singing to Destiny’s Child on the radio. Looking at her bright face and laughing—it makes it all seem balanced when we’re arguing about going to the mall later. I’m so glad you had this with your boy. <3 <3
This is adorable. It’s so awesome when they find their passion
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