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I Have a Brace-less (Almost) Highschooler

I Have a Brace-less (Almost) Highschooler

Last updated on: February 22, 2019 at 2:30 pm by Matt Pearson

I Have a Brace-less (Almost) Highschooler 2019-02-22T14:30:37-05:00 Matt Pearson

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This week, the following happened:

a. My oldest child got his braces removed.

b. My wife and I attended a “welcome to high school” event with our oldest child.

c. My oldest child received a retainer to wear post-braces.

e. An entire decade was added to my life.

All. In. One. Week.

Honestly, after attending the “welcome to high school” deal, I have never had a stronger desire to home school.

Just kidding. . .

Sort of.

Couple of thoughts after walking around high school. . .

1. I would fail.Â

Never have I seen or heard more â€œhonorsâ€ options in my life. There are standard options, to be sure. But even those seem to be way out of my league. I walked away thinking, â€œThere is no way I would have made it here! Williamson County school system is NO JOKE.â€ If this were 1991 when I entered high school, I wouldÂ have failed. Period. Too hard for me.

2. The difference from when I was in High School is massive.

From cell phones to computers to smart boards to electives to size to diversity, I cannot even begin to compare my high school experience to todayâ€™s.

Before last night, I rolled my eyes at the thought that it was that different.

No more.

It is.

Big time.

In just about every single way. I guess that even the chocolate milk is different.

3. Preparation for college is off the charts.

On a positive note, I am blown away at how students can plan a four year course to prepare them for college, a career, and really their entire future. I would change nothing from my high school experience. I loved it. But what I heard last night made me feel short changed! Itâ€™s almost like a mini-college track. Students can select classes and electives that gear them toward their desired career.

4. I only have 4 more years with Luke.Â

Seriously?

When he was born, people would tell us, “don’t blink, he’ll be gone to college before you know it!” Again, I rolled my eyes.

It’s true.

Too true.

Parents, don’t wish the seasons away. Be present. Lean in.

5. I must step up my Proverbs game.Â

The book of Proverbs was written by a dad to his sons. You can make a pretty good case that the book was written by a dad for his teenage sons.

Not only do I desire wisdom for myself, but I long for my children to walk in wisdom. Not rules. Not a contract. Wisdom.

What advice would you give to a parent on the verge or raising a high schooler?

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