natenkellnfamily

I have so many thoughts going on in my head right now.  I'm hoping they make some sense when put down.  I'm having such a hard time that kids have to grow up so fast.  Yesterday, Owen had to bring a note home from school that he had written to a girl in his class.  Apparently there was some altercation and he had gotten in trouble.  He had reacted to something that the girl had done and ended up having to write a note of apology to her, that he had to bring home and have us sign.  It sounds like the girl and another boy that was involved didn't get in trouble.  Owen had a hard time with that.  We talked about how he can't worry about what others do, and if they get in trouble for it.  All he can do anything about is what he does and how he reacts to what others do.  Definitely something that I think kids need to learn.

Here's my problem.  The situation was something that teachers in my day wouldn't have even thought twice about.  I remember having "arguments" about who's brother/sister was stronger and who could beat up who.  I remember teasing each other and just basically being kids.  Now there are so many rules about how you can touch other kids, how you can talk to other kids, what you can bring to school, etc.  I think it's so hard to just let your kids be kids.  They have songs like "Let Them Be Little" by Lonestar, but how can you really do that.  Even if you let them be kids in your home, there are still so many rules put on them at school.

I do understand why they are needed.  Last Friday, there was a threat at our high school.  They ended up evacuating the whole high school (in 8 minutes!!) and looking for students with weapons and bombs.  I know that things happen and there is a need for stricter rules now than when I was in school.  I'm just having a hard time with it.  I don't want to have to explain to my 8 year old how some kids say things that he said, and then act on them, or worse.  I know that Owen wouldn't do anything, but his teacher doesn't know that.  We had to talk about the bomb threat and how some kids don't know how to act appropriately, for whatever reason.  We talked about how he has to think about his actions and make sure that they are appropriate and follow all of the rules.

I guess I think back to 9/11 and how things changed after that.  How security got tighter at the airports and people were more cautious and wary.  It's hard to have more rules, but I know that they are in place to make us safer.  I know that's how the rules are in the schools, too.  It's hard for me to see them have more rules and not be able to just be kids, but I know the rules are for their safety.  I just think it's easier to understand when you're an adult, than when you are a kid.

I'm not sure if this even makes sense, I just had to get some thoughts down and out of my head.

On a brighter side, I went on my first run with my new shoes today.  I was worried they wouldn't be broken in enough, but they felt great.  It was so fun to get out early in the morning and get some exercise.  I can tell I'm getting stronger and it feels good.  I have hope that I'll be ready to run a 5k on the 4th of July.

1.  I am grateful that my life is good.  I am grateful that I have people in it that love me and that I can love.  I am grateful that I have the health and ability to take care of things in my own life and also to help out others.

2.  I am grateful that I am given the opportunity to see how my "gratitude blogs" help me find things to be grateful for, even when life isn't always fabulous.  It really has helped a lot.

3.  I am grateful that my sister got me on the program c25k.  I love feeling like I'm getting stronger.  I am liking exercising in the morning.  It helps me feel like moving more throughout the day.

4.  I am grateful for a mom who will let me call and cry/vent to her and still love me.

5.  I am grateful that my kids enjoy riding their bikes to school.  Owen is getting so much better on his bike, riding it at least twice a day.