Cleared for Take-off
 I once had the opportunity to apply for the job of air traffic controller. Although I met the initial requirements of being responsible, organized and quick-thinking, I turned that career possibility down immediately. I did not want the unending stress of keeping planes from either crashing into each other or into the ground.
Fast-forward to my mothering years. I’m now the air traffic controller for one 9-year-old son and charged with keeping his life from crashing and burning. (Sigh!) I’m sure you can relate to my mom-controller responsibilities, including:
- Monitoring his screen time so that he’s not declared brain dead at age 12.
- Reviewing completed homework — at least the pages that make it home in his backpack. (So glad I bought a math reference book on Amazon to see the difference between a rhombus and trapezoid!)
- Helping out with school projects that most often morph into works of art because he insists on crafting them with great detail and taking untold hours of prep time.
- Scheduling the swim meets he wants to compete in around his Cub Scout activities. Did I mention his popcorn sales for scouts are due in two weeks, and he hasn’t started selling yet?
There are still a lot of years ahead until I hear that my son is cleared for take-off. While I keep a visual on his radar screen, I’m also determined to slow down and help him enjoy just being a kid!
Blessings,
Mary Darr
Editor, MOMSnext ezine
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