Kids don’t grow up fast, they grow up suddenly
If there’s a statement
every parent on the planet has heard, it’s probably: kids grow up so fast, enjoy the moments, ‘cos it’s over before you know
it.
The problem is, it’s never
felt fast for me. In fact, it’s been excruciatingly slow most of the time.
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| Ready for his first school camp |
That, of course, comes
down to the challenges we’ve faced with Lexy and getting him on the right track
at school and in life.
Phuket was a massive
move for all of us, but none more than Lex. I’ve talked about some of the
challenges before, as well as the fact we’re now entering
a smooth period, where both boys seem delighted in their new home.
I can definitively say,
it is the greatest relief of my life knowing this was the right move, not just
for Lex, but for all of us.
Anyhoo, I just came
back from three weeks of business travel, with a short four day visit home in
between. It was intense being away that much, but the boys need their dad now,
and man, they could not have a better dad. Steve is awesome with the boys. A
true role model of what it is to be a man today.
But this weekend I
noticed a BIG shift in Lex. And I mean, massive!
Steve said it was because
he had an awesome time at a birthday party with six boys on Saturday. I’m like OK, well that’s great… not really
convinced. Don’t get me wrong, friendships have definitely been an area that is
lacking for Lex over the years. Especially our last year in Singapore, when we
took him out of school completely.
Then at dinner on
Saturday (I got home lunchtime Saturday) Lex is sitting at the table, arguing
his points, being super funny, and taking control of the situation. It was
absolutely mind-boggling seeing Lex this way, because he has always been easily
led and dominated, especially when it comes to conversations.
I’m like Steve, what
the hell has happened to Lex? Where is he?? Who is this person sitting next to
me? Someone so in control of themselves and assured in their ideas!
It was a wonderful moment,
truly wonderful and my heart is bursting with pride for this beautiful boy who
has struggled so much for so long.
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| Instructions for Tribe Two |
And then I’m thinking,
this isn’t the impact of a few hours at a birthday party. There has to be so
much more to this!
And of course there
is.
At school, he has
three amazing teachers and they are consistent with Lex – which he needs. Besides
the fact Arrowsmith is exactly what Lex needed, his teachers are having a
massive positive impact on his confidence, but more importantly, helping him
understand how to build positive social relationships. Just this has been awesome,
because he was very immature for his age when we came to Phuket. He never got
the years of social interactions most kids have by 11.
More important than
anything though, is the relationship Lex has with his dad. It’s so important
for young men, at this age, to have a strong bond with their dad or a great male
role model. It sets them up for life. And as a bonus, Lex got one-on-one time
with Steve all week, because Jax went off to school camp in Krabi. Lucky Jax!
That time with Steve,
which he made super special for Lex, was absolutely brilliant and both of them
keep talking about how awesome it was! In fact, last night, Lex asked me to go
away this week so Jax could have the same quality time with his dad!
I kind of feel like I’m
letting Jax down for just being here – sorry mate! Obviously, I’ll have to
stand back and let the boys have some special time together….
And the reason Lex
wants me away is it’s his turn for camp today. In fact, we just dropped him off
for his first ever school camp. And get this. For the next five days, Lex and
his classmates will be canoeing around Phuket Island. How cool is that?
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| His new teacher, Kru Joel. A legend |
Lex was suitably
nervous about camp, of course, and a lot of effort went into the preparations.
Steve did an outstanding job getting it all sorted. Even a couple of historical
items were packed from Steve’s younger days as a canoeist in England. Cute. Thanks
Grandma and Grandpa for bringing those treasures with you.
We waved Lex off this
morning, both feeling a bit emotional, but he hardly looked back. It’s hard for
us to be totally cool with this, because
we kept him protected from the real world for as long as we could. We protected
him because we know kids can be unkind at this age, so if they laugh at him or
pick on him, it could have a massive impact and set him back. He’s a sensitive
soul our Lexy!
The good news is, we’ve
managed to find an environment where that isn’t the ethos of the school at all
and we are expecting an even more ballsy Lex to get off the bus on Friday. Lord
help us!
I’ve only had the
first glimpse of a ballsy Lex and this is one powerful dude we’re unleashing on
the world. But I gotta say, I love it. Go Lex. You’re a bloody legend mate.
Bloody kids I tell
you. They don’t grow up fast, they grow up very very suddenly, and I am loving it. Yes, mummy is definitely very
happy about this latest evolution.
Can anyone else
relate?
Yours, without the
bollocks
Andrea
Thank you for reading my ramblings. My brain and heart are a work
in progress, always. I’d love a comment if it stirred any thoughts or feelings
and of course, please feel free to share it with anyone you know who might be
interested or entertained. I sure do appreciate it when you do. If you want to
connect, I'm on Twitter here, Google+ here, Instagram here, YouTube here, and Facebook too. I share loads of stuff, not just my own xxxxx
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