I received a letter in the mail from the local high school welcoming my daughter to the superior rank of grade 9.
A couple things caused me to snort my tea through my nose:
1. The first day of school is only for grade 9 students.
All other students don't have to attend class until the following day. This is so that the "new" students can "get used" to their unfamiliar (and apparently terrifying) place of learning. Because isn't that what this implies? "Be warned new students that you will find this environment completely overwhelming and in order that you don't break down in tears and drown your bewilderment in a vat of Fruitopia, we are allowing you a day of adjustment before the rest of teenage humanity swallows you whole".
As I was rolling my eyes (a skill perfected by my teenager) - I unfortunately read the second part of the letter.
2. Parents are invited to accompany their child to all their classes on the first day of school.
We are ENCOURAGED to spend the first day of school with our teen, ensuring their survival. Maybe hand holding and spoon feeding was mentioned, but I couldn't keep reading due to the massive amount of tea that projectiled out my nose.
My daughter looked at me in horror. She swore that if I came with her she would be completely mortified and would never speak to me again. (Admittedly, I paused to consider this as a potential win).
So...based on this premise, I am thinking that it must also be vital to accompany your child on the first day of their new job. Because odds are they will be a floundering mess without their mommy by their side. I can be there to make sure they arrive on time, don't run in the hall, mind their manners, and close their mouth when they chew. I can show them the way to the bathroom, make sure they play nice with their coworkers, and cut up their lunch in wee pieces so they don't choke on their food.
Seriously, if any parent feels it necessary to go with their child on the first day of high school, you are not helping your child succeed in the real world. I read a quote once that has stuck with me: "Prepare your child for the path but not the path for the child". We are doing our children no favours if we make things easy for them. They need to learn to stand on their own feet and become self-sufficient and independent and build coping skills. As parents we need to cut the cord and let them learn, fail, and succeed - all are important.
But for now, the threat of "I am coming with you on your first day of high school" carries sufficient weight to keep my teen in line - at least until September.
RELATED: 
Printer-friendly version