Just Say When

Jackson made a big decision a couple weeks ago. He didn’t really want to be in the Connections class this year. This isn’t new. At the beginning of each grade he brings up possibly forgoing Connections, I think because he has to get to know an extra class and teacher. My baby is like me… he is not a social being and he resists change. So, as usual, we urged him to give it another shot, and if he still felt that way after a few weeks, we would re-visit. He must have changed his mind, or forgotten, because for months, we never heard a peep. Then, he started coming home frustrated. He wasn’t enjoying it. He was missing the introduction of new lessons. Sometimes his Connections teacher didn’t pass along important papers and he felt behind. Instead of it being something he loved, it became a cause of stress, so we re-visited. This is the last year in Connections, in fact, this is his last three months, and if it isn’t making him happy, I personally don’t think he should try to stick it out another day. The first Monday after we signed the papers for him to opt out of the gifted program, Jackson stayed in class and they worked on and went over an important study guide for a big test the next day. He came home so relieved that he didn’t miss that. Maybe we should have pushed harder to stick it out for the last three months, but really, he gave it more than a fair chance, and that’s all I can ask for. Besides, seeing him relieved and smiling again when he comes home on Connections day, well, that’s priceless, even if he didn’t go.