I got a call from a producer at www.cbc.ca the other day to take questions from moms across Canada about back-to-school. Everything from fashion to snacks to routines. "I can do this." I thought. "I’m a mom. I’ve been doing back-to-school for years. I have a whole resource of Canadian moms to tap into."
Now that it’s up there I’m feeling a bit nervous. "Who exactly do I think I am?!" As any truly honest mom will tell you, you never get to be an expert. Just when you think you have it all figured out it changes. For example, this is the first year that my now 9 year old son is not bursting to go back to school. Unlike his 5.5 year old sister, he is resentful and irritated that his summer fun is going to be replaced by the tedium of the daily grind. He’s excited about his hockey season starting but seriously underwhelmed by the prospect of grade 4. This one’s new for me.
So, I tapped into some of my wise mom pals whose kids are just a bit older. No surprise, they had great advice. First 1) don’t stress – he’s probably more excited than his cooler-than-thou self lets on. 2) Take it as a compliment! His summer has been fabulous and that’s great too. 3) Change can be tough, especially as kids get older and a bit more socially aware and self-conscious. Finally 4) don’t sweat it because there is nothing you or he can do about it. Once he gets back to it and sees his friends all of this will be forgotten. Not bad, eh?
Now, the good part. If you have a back-to-school question go to the Your Interview section of CBC.ca and ask. I’ll tap into the wise and wonderful urbanmoms.ca moms to find your answer!
Oh, I have two very underwhelmed kids at my house, too! I think they had too much fun this summer, but I also think they’ll be happy once school starts back.
Congratulations on the CBC interview! That’s great!
awesome!!!!
I am so excited for you. What a huge compliment and I look forward to it!
Congratulations! Can’t wait for August 29th. to see you in action.
Congrats on the cbc gig! You’ll be fantastic!
Saw the twin question through the cbc section and wanted to lend advice from my experience being the twin child.
My mother never intervened until we started bragging about good grades to the others instigating of having more friends!!
The good news is twins go through different stages.
My sister and I actually alternated in social extremes throughout our schooling.
You do gain a social dependence- thinking you need your twin to be heard or liked at first, but realizing you make a strong team is easier than learning how to be just an individual. School will actually help these social/self esteem dynamics.
Separating them in different classes is a fantastic idea.
It is exciting to have that twin label taken off of you for a minute, as well as a cool factor when kids find out you do have a twin.
I’d encourage the mother to enforce the idea that being a twin is a unique and special experience.
They do need to be supportive of each other (NOT allowed to make fun of the other one or, on another side, make their friends decide who to invite to the birthday party and who not to.)- and they’ll find their own way.
Also encourage doing activities (outside of school) separately if they haven’t already started doing so.
You are the perfect person for the job! Congrats Jen! I will be sure to listen on the 29th!