Happy

Suddenly the light shifted slanting through the classroom's open window. The light, bright, splashed across students' desks. It was after noon, maybe the end of C lunch just before the bell. I thought of them. My brother. My sister-in-law. My niece.

So I sent a message.

We exchanged a few funny photos and notes. I cannot wait to spend some time with them. 

They came to town for my weekend birthday celebration--it is a big one and I am so tickled they are here. Just the idea that we are in the same state made me grin as I stepped into the hall to supervise during passing time. My teenager was walking the hall and caught me, smiling.

"What are you smiling at?" he smirked. There was some serious shade in his voice.

Seriously? I thought. A riff from "Let It Go" ran through my thoughts.

Sigh. Sometimes, teenagers try us. They take any and all opportunities to push buttons, push back, push off of what ever they do not want to do or deal with. I know this because I am the parent of an amazing fourteen-year-old. He is the love of my life, but like all teenagers, he sometimes throws shade "both sides" as my niece will say.

It has taken me many years of practice to let some things slide. I am learning how to choose my battles as a parent/. It's a good review for my teacher-self.

"I'm happy," I replied more to myself than him as I stepped into class. He continued down the hall. It is difficult having a teacher Mom. No doubt.

I know I have to choose not to engage with negativity.  Teenagers are testing all sorts of water. They try on sarcasm for sophistication. They test a range of tones and attitudes during a week, a month, our entire year at school. I am a safe testing ground.

That teens test and try is one thing I love about them. They are fluid and flexible--becoming. My son has joined this tribe. I am used to teenagers as a teacher, but parenting one is new territory.

When I tell people I teach high school, I hear a mix that spans "God bless you!" to "How could you?" 

I wouldn't have it any other way.  Teenagers are awesome. They care. They act. They do. They engage and are curious. Teenagers are one interesting group.

I love them.

I love how passionate they are. I love their commitment to friends, their loyalty. I love their energy and the buzz of a classroom when I've harnessed it. I even love them when they suck their teeth and roll their eyes with an exaggerated sigh.

I love them when they say,  "What are you looking at?" When I'm only wool gathering and happen to do the thinking stare in their direction.  I even love them when they throw shade "both sides."

Teens, like mine, belong to a tender tribe.  

Thank you to Stacey, Betsy, Dana, Tara, Beth, Anna, Kathleen & Deb for creating community and valuing voice. Join us at Two Writing Teachers. Slide by the Slice of Life buffet for seconds or link up to serve your own slice of life.