Congrats Grads….

Springtime. The season for Graduations.  Commencement Ceremonies.  Awards Dinners. Athletic Banquets.  In other words it’s the “lets tell everyone how great we are season.”  If you have been fortunate (or unfortunate) enough to attend one of these events you may be like me and sit there thinking to yourself “Self, where did we make the wrong turn that took us down the rabbit hole?”  Let me explain.

This year, I was embroiled in the chaotic amusement park ride known as 8^th Grade Graduation.  First of all, can someone please tell me when did we as a start treating 8^th grade (a legally mandated level of education) as if these 14 year olds have just graduated Sigma Cum Laude from Harvard Law?  Its 8^th grade.  They’re 14.  You’re lucky if they leave the house wearing clean underwear and matching shoes – much less even do the schoolwork that earns them the diploma. 

But here we are, celebrating this “achievement.”  Really?  Now let me clarify – before someone gets mental here – I fully believe that the student who worked hard and achieved the best grades should be recognized.  As should the child that excelled as a member of the class either in Student Council or on the Athletic field.  But this is not now, nor has it ever been, every student in every class in every school.  While this time of transitioning into the High School environment is a milestone in these kids young lives, it is not nor should it ever be portrayed as a defining moment of their lifetime. 

God willing they will go on to become adults, find a satisfying career, volunteer to help the less fortunate, have a family – you know achieve the real milestones in life.  Let’s give them something to look forward to, not a feeling to entitlement and achievement for reaching the wise old age of 14.  If anyone should be getting the awards at this age it’s the parents. 

In fact – that’s my new mission.  Lets make 8^th grade graduation about the parents.  For the parents of the child that always had a lunch.  The parents of the child that always had a gym uniform.  For the parents of the child that completed Science Fair. How about a trophy for the parents that manage to get every form, letter, authorization, tuition payment, room mom form, field trip form and school physical turned in complete and on time.  And not to forget the “extracurricular” awards, dinners made, carpools ran, birthday parties given.  Spoiler alert – I would NOT win either award.  So in closing – Congratulations Parents!  You got them this far – try not to screw them up – and take courage in the knowledge that we are all in the same boat.  Keep Paddling.