Twelve things…

How are we already almost half way through this year? I keep writing 2015 and it’s now May, so I probably need to stop that.

Before we know it, term two will be done, then term three will come with it’s painfully long, but stupidly short weeks, and then it’s the down hill slope to the end of the year. Which sounds ridiculous, but we all know it’s true.

And with every passing month, Poss skips towards the end of year six, the end of primary school and the start of a whole new world; high school.

We’ve been doing a lot of talking about high school. Transition and preparation are words that are being thrown around with reckless abandon. Her teachers, therapists and every person that finds out she’s in year six, seems to want to talk about next year.

And I know she’ll be fine. Because she’s determined to be awesome at everything she does – even if it almost kills her. So I have no doubt she’ll take it in her stride, and attack high school with the same attitude that she takes on everything else.

But there are a few things, 12 in fact, that I need her to know before she goes on to that next big stage; that I hope she’ll take with her, as she launches into the world of teens…

1. You are enough. And don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. You don’t need to be skinnier, taller, smarter, funnier, braver, funnier, sportier or anything than you already are.
2. It’s ok to be different. And normal is nothing but a dryer setting. Peek beneath the facade for anyone, and they’ll have their quirks – and how fucking boring would it be if they didn’t. Celebrate you. See point one.
3. We’ll always have your back. When it comes to homework, arguments, friendships. Your parents are in your corner.
4. You won’t always like us. And that’s ok. We’re not your mates, but love you more than anything, and we’ve always got your best interests at heart, even if it doesn’t feel like it at the time. Also, see point three.
5. High school is hard. There’s no denying it. Even for those who look back and think it was the best time of their lives (and yes, there are those people out there), it’s still a confusing and unsettling time. I tell you this, not to scare you, but to let you know you’re not alone.
6. You don’t actually know everything. I know, it’s a hard concept to grasp. But you don’t. And neither to I for that matter. And it’s ok to admit that.
7. Edit your online life. We already talk about this one a lot; what you feel comfortable with me posting, with your friends posting, with what you post. How these things are forever, even when they disappear after 15 seconds. And we edit accordingly. Keep doing this.
8. Friendships are tricky. For anyone. But especially in high school. Remember friendship and popularity are not one and the same.
9. Everyone else feels insecure as well. They really do. I promise. And no-one really knows what they’re doing, they’re mostly just fumbling their way through life until they find what works for them. Unfortunately, this feeling seems to stick with you through until adulthood, so you’re best to get used to it.
10. Surround yourself with people who get you. And if that doesn’t happen at school, remember you’ve got a bunch of awesome friends outside of school too who adore you.
11. Don’t be a dick. Enough said. It’s just a good life rule.

Finally, you’re loved. I know that probably embarrasses you, because I tell you all the time, but too bad. You are. And not just by your parents, but a whole circle of people who just want to see you happy. They are your soft place to fall on the hard days, and the ones who will lift you higher on the good ones.

Don’t forget they’re there.