New school years can bring a mix of emotions, including anticipation, anxiety, hope, and excitement. September offers us a new beginning. It is filled with unknowns and with all of your plans for the weeks and months ahead.
I remember being a parent at the cusp of the promise of a new school year. I have two children who are now adults. They are very different from each other. When my older son was young, he looked forward to school, and he loved learning. He is still someone who seeks more knowledge and is, in many ways, an intentional lifelong learner. My younger son is very different. He is much more socially inclined than his older brother. When asked what he liked about school, he always talked about the more social aspects of the day and gym. He loved (and still loves) being with friends, physical activity, and sports. My older son breezed through school. My younger son, who is a college graduate, dragged through all the years of his education.
I remember my younger son asking his brother to stop achieving so much academically. It was difficult being in his shadow. Teachers based expectations for my younger son on his older brother's actions. There were times when his social reputation preceded him, and teachers seemed to be waiting for him to not pay attention or disrupt the class by talking to friends.
September can be a new beginning for everyone - you, children, and their families. I hope that as you navigate this new start, you will keep a special eye on children who may feel they are in a shadow. I hope you will forge your own relationship with them and ignore gossip about what may have heard happened in the past. Children behave differently with different adults. They all should be approached anew each year. I wish you a clean slate, great relationship-building with children and their families, and inspiration from everyone around you.
