Eight! How can it be?

Dear Second Grader,

Today you turn eight years old. Since eight is halfway to sixteen, this means I have exactly eight more years to lobby for our state to raise the legal driving age to something more sensible… like 25. I’ve seen you behind the wheel, and I just can’t bear the thought.

This past year, you’ve made big strides in so many areas. For one, you’re a full-blown reader. Being able to read your own books has opened up new worlds for you, and I hope your love of books only grows as you get older.

You’ve also found that being able to write real sentences comes in handy, and it’s always fun to see what’s going on in your mind come to life in written form.

When you’re not doing cartwheels in the yard {or in the middle of the den!}, You love to play school or restaurant or dance class or anything else that allows you to use a microphone and puts you in charge of your sisters. The funny thing is, they usually do what you tell them to do… at least for a little while. Sometimes you infuriate them, but they look up to you and love your fiercely.

In firstborn fashion, you are intense and want to do whatever you are doing well. So, whether building a flower truck or decorating cookies, you’re focused and you’re going to get it done right.

Sometimes your passion for fun and my need for calmness and order clash. I expect a lot from you. And, the need you and I both have to be right makes for many an argument.

But, as my oldest, I want you to know I am learning to be a parent “on the fly” with you. There is no precedent, no past experience to fall back on… every milestone and challenge is uncharted territory full of bridges we have to cross together. And, that is both good and hard.

See, for most any new skill or activity you’d like to try in life you can read books on the topic, watch YouTube videos, or take classes and learn at least the basics. But, then there is parenting. And, of course, there are books and videos and classes on that, too. But, honestly, none of those aids can adequately prepare you for the actual job of caring for, training, and molding another living thing into a person of conscience and character. You started out as this sweet little blob…

And, now at eight years old you’re a person with real feelings, ideas, and opinions you can express. You’re old enough to have more serious conversations with us and a deeper understanding of the world around you. It’s unbelievable to your dad and me how much you’ve grown. And, we don’t always stay caught up with you at the rate you’re learning and changing! 

So, as you start another year with the promise of new milestones and new experiences, my {our} hope for you is that you’ll continue to grow in wisdom and grace, finding new ways to channel your energy and passions. We pray we will learn to be better guides and encouragers for you, acknowledging your gifts and challenging you to challenge yourself. You have a big heart, and we pray you’ll continue to grow into the meaning of your name as one who is “pure and compassionate.”