FNN doesn't spell fun but it should. Most Friday evenings since and including the last day of school, most of the girls in our eldest daughter's grade 6-7 class have been getting together to hang out. That is not to say that they haven't been busy: snacking, chatting, texting, playing volleyball, eating pizza, running through the sprinkler, listening to music, laughing, sleeping over, eating cupcakes, playing with water balloons, riding bikes, visiting the neighbours, did I mention snacking? Girls can do a lot in 5 hours.
One of the things that I learnt from doing a group with grieving teens when I worked with a hospice is that young people are just that: people. They are just like adults except slightly smaller (although not always), less old and with usually less life experience (again, not always). Back then doing a group with teens was not my first choice; I was a little afraid of them. I did do the group though and loved it. They were refreshingly honest and down-to-earth, funny and remarkably knowledgeable; just like a lot of other people I know.
Don't expect me to be one of those parents who would rather be their child's friend than their parent. I know that my most important job is being my girls' mother...who else would I be? Their company is some of the best ever and I love to be with them--- whatever they are doing. I also know that we need time apart now and then to really appreciate one another. At the end of the day, we all need time together, time apart, time alone and time with others.
As far as time with others is concerned, the girls who come to our Friday Night Nine evenings are some of the smartest, sweetest and most fun girls ever. We like their company and love sharing their time. These get-togethers have been one of the highlights of the summer for our family--- a nice bunch of kids having a visit and a bite to eat together....What could be better than that?
One of the things that I learnt from doing a group with grieving teens when I worked with a hospice is that young people are just that: people. They are just like adults except slightly smaller (although not always), less old and with usually less life experience (again, not always). Back then doing a group with teens was not my first choice; I was a little afraid of them. I did do the group though and loved it. They were refreshingly honest and down-to-earth, funny and remarkably knowledgeable; just like a lot of other people I know.
Don't expect me to be one of those parents who would rather be their child's friend than their parent. I know that my most important job is being my girls' mother...who else would I be? Their company is some of the best ever and I love to be with them--- whatever they are doing. I also know that we need time apart now and then to really appreciate one another. At the end of the day, we all need time together, time apart, time alone and time with others.
As far as time with others is concerned, the girls who come to our Friday Night Nine evenings are some of the smartest, sweetest and most fun girls ever. We like their company and love sharing their time. These get-togethers have been one of the highlights of the summer for our family--- a nice bunch of kids having a visit and a bite to eat together....What could be better than that?
No comments:
Post a Comment