It’s Okay Not to Peak in High School
By Donna McDine
Now that I have a daughter in the second year of college and
another daughter in eleventh grade of high school, I have spent quite a bit of
time chatting with my girlfriends as to what all the social pressure in high
school means for our children. I’ve come to realize that the clicks still
remain… the jocks, the brains, the nerds, etc., but what happens to those that
don’t fit into the stereotypes? Do they aimlessly wonder the halls of high
school longing to belong to some type of group, or do they break out of the
mold and create their own destiny. The pressures are real. By doing so, it can
be empowering and frightening at the same time.
As parents or caregivers, it’s our responsibility to set a
strong foundation at home that it’s okay for them to be an individual and to
stand on their own two feet. By guiding our children to explore all the options
presented to them without fear of being ridiculed for their choices has a
positive ripple effect through their daily lives. It’s okay not to be the best
athlete, the best singer, the best artist, or the best student. Exploring and
finding their passion is what will matter after (for some four long years) high
school. It’s okay not to peak during these four years.
Most children do not realize while they are in high school,
that these years will end up being a small part of their lives. The time to
spread their wings is just beginning upon graduation, when so many new and
exciting choices of college, work, and/or travel will be presented to them. Let
them discover what they may want to do for a career and once they find their
calling the amazing transformation will begin before your eyes.
As for myself, I remember distinctly the anguish of not
being the best at something during high school and it took me many years to
realize, so what. I’m glad I’m having the best career choices in the last ten
years than I ever did before and I’m at my best physical health I’ve ever been.
Encourage your children to be the best they can be with
their own expectations and not those of others and watch them soar!
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Multi Award-winning Children's Author
Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!
Connect with Donna McDine on Google+
A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Reader's Farvorite Five Star Review
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist
Donna, this is so good, well written, well said, and very much needed. Hope you're okay with me sharing it on my FB page. Good job, emma glover
ReplyDeleteHi Emma,
DeleteThank for stopping by, commenting and lending your support. I appreciate that you FB shared!.
Best,
Donna
Yeah, high school doesn't make up much of life indeed. Have to let them be themselves, as much more life will come due where they will have to be.
ReplyDeleteHi Pat,
DeleteI echo your sentiments. Thanks for stopping by and joining in in the conversation.
Best,
Donna
Well said! High school is just a bunch of emotional baggage that won't last.
ReplyDeleteAnd I was a band geek in high school.
Hi Alex,
DeleteGlad you enjoyed my post! Thanks for visiting!
Best,
Donna