Part of Slice of Life by Two Writing Teachers
You know what’s hard?
It’s hard to do algebra when you’re 39, re-learning it on the fly
to help your 9th grader with radicals – simplified
“This is stupid! When will I ever need this in life?” She asks.
It’s hard not to answer her with sarcasm,
“Well, when your 9th grader is crying to you about algebra,
You might wish you paid a little more attention!”
It’s hard to push back your own memories of hating. math. class.
so that you can say instead,
“Algebra helps you in later math classes, and the logic behind it helps you in life…”
It’s hard to hear yourself sound like a cartoon mom
saying some sort of script instead of
the inspiration you wish you could be.
It’s hard to watch your child try and try
struggling, worried, stressed
with new teachers, new classes, new expectations.
You know what’s hard?
High School.
High School is hard
Learning, that’s hard
Parenting, teaching,
having patience,
perseverance,
knowing when it’s okay to fail, when you should try harder…
when it’s time to ask for help.
On a Thought 
So many wicked insights here, from the first line to the out-of-body perspective on cartoon mom. Not easily lived, yet well told.
I’m not a mother myself but this piece reminds me so much of my mother. I remember struggling with school and feeling defeated every day and though my mom was very critical of herself and blamed many of my academic struggles on herself she had no idea that the whole time she kept me going and her support no matter what form it came in meant so much to me. Well written and good luck to you guys!
That’s so sweet about your mom. Thanks for posting!