Lyssa has been talking about taking some classes at the local institution next fall. I'm not thrilled about the idea, but only because the place is so big. It's one of the largest schools in the state.
I know I'd find it overwhelming, but am trying really hard not to project my feelings about it on to her.
I'm sure you'll be surprised to hear this, but I am not a huge fan of public education. I won't go into the reasons here because it doesn't matter.
I am, however, a BIG fan of letting older kids figure out what works for them. If Alyssa can find some classes she's interested in taking, I'll do my best to make sure she gets there.
We don't care about a high school diploma, and she can take as many or as few classes as she wants, so she can make choices that other kids her age aren't able to make.
She will be 15 years old soon, (in less than a month!!) and should be able to make some decisions about where she is spending time and what she's learning. She's intelligent, has good reasons as to why she'd like to take a few classes, and is eager and looking at the challenge as something fun, rather than with the apprehension she'd have felt if I made her go take classes a few years ago.
We're going to go up and talk to a counselor as soon as I can get an appointment that fits into our schedule.
Is this the end of an era?
It's the beginning of a new era, that's for sure. :) It's letting go and feeling the pain, but also the pride. Wow! I find this quite empowering, don't you? Your daughter got everything she needed from you... now she's giving others a chance. And something tells me she'll make the best of it.
ReplyDeleteWow, umm... congratulations? I'm sorry?
ReplyDeleteWhen people ask me what I will do for high school, I tell them I will let the kids decide. I tell them I know folks that only homeschool through 8th grade and send their kids to high school, as well as folks that did high school at home. I tell them I think a 15 year old should certainly be considered responsible enough to take their educational choices into their own hands, and emotionally balanced enough to choose public high school. All this is true.
I don't tell them that I secretly hope they won't actually do that.
That whole growing up thing is a double edged sword. XOXO
ReplyDelete