Moms and Middle School.

As I put my oldest on the bus this morning for his first day of middle school, my heart ached.

We had hugged prior so as to not mortify him when the bus pulled up.

While we waited, he expressed just how nervous he was.

I assured him he would be great.

But I knew by his face, and how he was fidgeting that he was feeling those nerves.

We exchanged another hug before the bus came into view.

Then the bus arrived and opened it doors.

As he got on that bus he looked back at me, and in that instant it took every ounce of me not to run a give him a little hug.

His eyes caught mine like that was exactly what he needed, but I dare not make him look a fool in front of his new classmates.

So I just nodded and smiled.

He smiled back.

It was in that instant, something hit me.

We spend most of our lives avoiding our mothers due to fear of embarrassment.

We run from their unsolicited advice, even when most times it rings true.

We dodge hugs and kisses.

All to look cooler in front of our friends.

Until one day we seek those things.

And sadly, they are gone.

And we find ourselves longing to hear that advice, and get that hug.

But it is too late.

So while it is a right of passage that all of us go through, I can only hope we begin to shed the concept of mom shame, and grab that hug before it is too late.

Grab that advice while it is still there.

And as a Mom, remember that even though I didn't blow his cover today, my eyes let him know I was giving him a big virtual hug.

His smile back at me told me it had been received.

Here's to the first day of school.

May it be a successful one.

Xoxo,

C.