As most of you know, this year the Gaston’s entered the new day of Middle School. Hannah, our oldest just began 6th grade at HH Poole. This is a new experience in our home with our baby girl entering this whole new realm of Middle School. Now she going to the bus stop earlier, changing classes during the day, learning how to work a locker.
The part that has bothered me the most in entering this new territory is the silence we are now getting at the end of the day. My ”chatty” little 5th grader is now answering with one word answers!
“How was your day, Hannah?”
“Fine”
“Ok”
“Good”
“Don’t know” (Sometimes we get two word answers)
“Yes”
“No”
“I dunno”
[Eye roll] (That is her mom’s favorite!!!!)
I have heard from others that we will survive these days. We have been instructed to keep asking, and keep talking even if it is one-sided for a season.
I just had to comment on this entry because we have been where you are today. Our daughter will be 14 in January. It does get better and thankfully it has gotten better for us a lot earlier than most people said it normally does. We prayed our way through it and just kept trying. My thing was everyday asking “Did anything special happen today?” “Did anything bad happen today?” Her reply was almost always “no” so then I would say “So it was just a normal day?” and I would get “yep.” Now she always has something to tell me and we have the type of relationship that I always prayed we would have. She shares everything with me and for this I am ever so grateful!! So, hang in there!! It doesn’t last forever!
Pastor Todd –
Be thankful it is atleast a recognizable word, unlike some kids who respond with “idk” or “nm” or “ttyl”. If you require a translation, please see any 7th grader – LOL.
On a serious side, continue to ask questions, continue to know that you are loved as a parent and that she is just as confused as you are about where she is at in life.