There's a situation at school affecting Busy Girl, and, it results in her not to be able to do something she really wants to do.
The hard truth is that the whole scenario is grossly (independent observation would confirm it, it's not just me grousing) unfair, but, we can't really change it.
However, it's also a good lesson for her, I guess.
Most things come pretty easily to her, so, not getting something she wants might be a good character building experience for her, and, she needs to learn that life isn't fair.
I hate it that it's affected her 8th grade year, especially since she's worked hard for several years for this moment, and, it's not going to happen, and, she's as upset and angry as I've ever seen her.
As we were talking about it last evening, I reminded her that she couldn't change it, but, that she could change how she reacts to it.
She responded by reciting the Serenity Prayer.
Her deceased grandmother (my mother), who was a Friend of Bill, would have been very proud of her at that moment.
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Good for Busy Girl! That's a lesson that I'm STILL trying to learn (and I'm way older than 13).
The good old serenity prayer. I'm almost 25 and have just started learning this lesson. I have printed the prayer out and taped it to my bathroom mirror so that whenever I see it , I am reminded of it. Good for her!
Wow, you should be so proud of her. Sometimes it is so hard for kids to stop and find that center.
I love your blog and was reading through it this morning. Good stuff. I'll surely return for more. I'm going to add you to my blogroll, which I am trying to build up.
Keep the good blog entries coming.....
Moments like this are so hard. My oldest is only six and we are just now starting to encounter a few of the school-related disappointments that come with life. It's hard. It was hard enough when I was in school but watching my kids encounter it is even harder.
And what is it about the eighth grade? The 8th grade was the worst year of school for me--and I know a lot of other people who had really bad experiences that year.
Middle child found out recently that she will not receive an "honors diploma" when she graduates because, even though she's taken bunches (more than 8) of honors and AP courses, she didn't take the required two per year (didn't take two in 9th grade). We blame her counselor for not sharing this little piece of information way back when, but when approached about an exception the counselor said that asking for that would "get them in trouble"...so no honors diploma. It was really a point of pride for her, now a big disappointment. I don't think she's reciting the Serenity Prayer at this point...maybe later.
Poor busy girl. life is not easy. Good job for reciting the serenity prayer and I hope that things get better soon.
What a very wise girl you have there. I could not fully undertand the importance of letting go of stuff that I couldn't change until I was well into my 30"s. Bravo Busy Girl, and bravo for being such a great Mom!
That shows how intuitive she is. And what a great mom you are!
Amen!
Heck I"M proud of her! What a wonderful and mature way to respond to a situation. Great going to both YOU and HER!
You must be very proud. She is wise indeed.
It is so hard as a parent not to call up WHOEVER and raise holy hell when things like that happen. The truth of it is, sometimes there's no one to call, and even when there is, what would we teach by being THAT parent?? Not much.
I find it so hard [tho necessary] to counsel the 8yo when those unfair moments catch us. They aren't going to stop happening, so best to learn to handle it. Sigh.
What a sweet girl!
Life's disappointments are sometimes hard to swallow. I think we've all been there. Good for her to pray for peace and wisdom in this circumstance.
Good for her.
Don't forget though -- life lessons can really suck sometimes.
Best of luck to you both.
I'm not surprised at Busy Girl's response...it's the ole, 'the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree thing' (or is that 'nuts don't fall...?)
Live you life like your ass is on fire!
HAHA I love it. It is my new motto :)