Welcome Back from your "School Mom"

Welcome Back, Students!  

I hope you've had a restful and relaxing break and are enjoying this day of easing back in gently before a couple of in-person days.  

I didn't do a whole lot over break but my family did head up to the mountain for some skiing this week, and while I was there, I had a couple of mini moments that, put together, formed some thoughts for today's blog.   The first moment was when we were getting off of the Single Chair at Mad River.  If you don't know, once you get off the lift there, you have to kind of duck walk up a little hill.  My daughter was out in front of me as I was the last to get off the lift.   While duck walking up the little hill she popped right out of a ski but kept on walking.  I suppose she didn't stop because she knew I was behind her and would just scoop up the ski and get her back into it at the top of the rise.  

On a subsequent run, we had ducked into the woods and this time I was trailing my son when a similar thing happened.  He stuck his pole into a snowy mogul and didn't manage to hang onto it as he made his turn and skied away.  Following behind, I once again simply scooped up the left-behind item and delivered it back to my kiddo who had stopped and was looking to me for support.  In both cases, I hardly had to break stride to gather up the offending equipment and hand it back to the right kiddo.  After the left behind ski pole, (as I mentioned it was the second left behind item of the day), I chuckled because it seemed so reflective of my life as a mom and as a school counselor.  

That's what I do.  I try, as seamlessly as possible, to help support my kids both at home and school.  Sometimes that support looks like scooping up an errant ski or a left behind pole, a forgotten article of clothing, or a missing boot.  But more often it looks like a connection when someone is in need, a word of encouragement when one is feeling down, or a validation of feelings and emotions when times are tough.  

When I first started being a school counselor, I felt like I could connect with kids because I was like an older sibling or cousin that students felt comfortable talking with.  That was when I was in my late 20's and early 30's.  (I like to think I was still sort of relevant then!  Ha!)  As I have gotten older, I've worried about being able to continue to connect with students who don't really age (you all age and move on, and I get a new crop of kiddos each year that stay between 10-14).   As I continue to get more out of touch with what being a tween and a teen is like, it's sometimes hard to feel like you can be helpful and relevant.  Last week, when I picked up those left behind items for my kids, it suddenly dawned on me that now I get to connect with students in a whole new way - as a school mom, bonus adult, daytime parent, friend mom - or whatever else you want to call it.  I am privileged to be the one "skiing behind you," picking up the things that get left behind or supporting you in a time of need!  

I know that when I was your age, I oftentimes felt more comfortable going to my friend's mom's first.  We would talk, and as got things right in my brain, that friend's mom would help me figure out the best way to connect with my own family for support.  This is exactly what I get excited to do every day when I come to work.  I love being your bonus adult!  I love helping to support you when the chips are down (or even when they are not), and I love helping you figure out ways to connect with your families and loved ones when that is the next right step.   

So I guess that this post is really to just remind you, after this break, that I am here and I am willing and happy to connect with you whenever you need it.  The world is not all easy right now, and I know many of you are struggling.  Do also remember that I am not your only bonus adult at CBMS.  Sometimes you find just the right person at just the right time, and we're all here to help and listen, so don't be afraid to reach out to your Bonus People as needed.  

 And yes, I know I am dating myself with this song, but I did say I am more like a bonus mom these days, right?   Yes...go ahead and roll your eyes...I can take it.  😉 

Have a great day everyone!

Be Well,

Mrs. Hempey