adjustment time
I suppose we just have to adjust to our new way of life, so to speak. T didn't come home right away after school yesterday because he walked! And last night - he called me on my cell to tell me where he was!!! I never leave my cell behind when I leave the house but I did by mistake. This morning I had a message on my cell. It was T telling me he was going to the friend's house (who I really like) to eat pizza! Music to my ears. I did have a conversation with him about his bad old familiar behavior he displayed the other day. I told him that we (his dad and I) really don't ask a lot from him. I said I hope out of love for us that he show some respect to us. I think he heard me........ :-) Yesterday I talked to the D.A.R.E. officer. I have approval from the middle school Principal to design a program/class/presentation for Parent Awareness, Education, and Prevention on Substance Use. My plan, as an incentive, was to include the parents at D.A.R.E. night as a participant rather than a spectator. The parents would receive a diploma along with their child - which may send a strong message that they are in this with them. Unfortunately, I misunderstood the Principal. I thought that the 5th grade program was being eliminated and moving up to the 7th grade. No - both grades are going to receive different programs. My plan was to have a 7th grade grad night - since I was planning on giving this to parents of kids that age. I think they would be more in- tune to the nature of the subject being that their kids are now hormonal and that they are closer to moving to the high school. I asked the officer if he could possibly change it and he said no. The 5th grade grad night is in the program. I asked him to try and see what we can do.....and he said he would. Something will work out. Oh - and then I asked the D.A.R.E. officer if I had ever met him. Since T certainly had a number of arrests. He said he's been out to our a house a few times. He said he also has met T in town a few times. I wonder if I would recognize him. He wasn't a stand out of one of the guys I liked. Some of them had been so wonderful and supportive. Others......yuck....for lack of a better word! Oh - and for my presentation - I have a computer guy who is going to help me with my "multi-media- extravaganza" that I haven't completed. And I may have a sponsor. His wife works at a hospital (she has clout) and offered for me to talk to the members in charge to see about funding. Apparently, they have a vested interest in our community. All good......
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This could be an opportunity that leads to other things for you professionally?! You seem to have generated the right amount of interest ... I am thinking good thoughts about this. Be sure to document the process and submit for an award. Also, consider an exit survey for both teens and parents....!!!!