Updated: Aug. 21, 2023
Originally Published: Feb. 25, 2012
During my high school years, I enrolled in a Sociology class where our major projects revolved around two significant life events: marriage and parenthood. We were paired up to simulate planning a wedding, complete with elaborate details such as white dresses, veils, and a cake for our mock ceremony in the school auditorium. A standout moment was when our teacher, a strikingly attractive new staff member, played the role of my father, leading me down the aisle.
As part of the exercise, we role-played conflict resolution. Before our mock wedding, my pretend spouse, my friend Mark, had to persuade my “father” to grant permission for our fictional marriage. Although it was a mere glimpse into the complexities of real marriage, I appreciate the effort, even knowing it couldn’t capture the multifaceted nature of actual relationships, where factors like partner compatibility, financial situations, and family dynamics come into play.
The next phase of our project involved taking care of a “baby.” We were given a 10-pound sack of flour to name and care for as if it were a real infant. I suggested the name “Sophie,” inspired by a character from my favorite show. The rules were strict: we could not leave it unattended, place it in a locker, or even put it in our backpacks. We had to share the responsibility of caring for it, mimicking the responsibilities of real parenting.
Now that I am a parent, I realize that the flour sack experience barely scratched the surface of what it truly means to raise a child. Upon reflection, I can identify several high school classes that better equipped me for parenthood:
- Drama: Acting skills are essential for parents. Mastering silly voices can lighten tense moments. I can laugh when I’m supposed to be stern and put on a brave face when I feel overwhelmed.
- Debate/Negotiation: Typical bedtime discussions often resemble a negotiation. For instance:
“It’s bedtime.”
“Why?”
“Because you need rest.”
“Why?”
“Because I said so.” - Algebra: If x is the number of hours until I am awakened by my toddler and y is the number of hours of sleep I require, then y – x equals my chronic sleep deprivation!
- Chemistry: Consider this equation: one newborn (NB) plus one hormonal new mother (HNM) multiplied by postpartum anxiety (PPA) added to one relatively calm partner (RCP). The result? Still in progress, but the mix is undoubtedly intense.
- Music Appreciation/Band: While I didn’t have a memorable experience at band camp, enduring a concert of novice musicians teaches resilience. If you survived 5th-grade band recitals, you can handle any cacophony produced by your child’s musical endeavors.
- Physical Education: Although I spent a lot of time daydreaming during field hockey, this class did not directly translate to parenting skills. However, the creativity learned may help in finding fun activities for children.
- Home Economics: This class was all about essential homemaking skills. While my sewing skills are non-existent, I can whip up a meal from appetizers to dessert thanks to what I learned about kitchen basics.
Thank you, Westwood High School, for providing valuable lessons that resonate in my journey as a parent.
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In summary, my high school education imparted lessons that have proven far more relevant to parenting than I initially realized. The blend of creativity, negotiation skills, and basic life skills has equipped me to navigate the complexities of raising a child, preparing me for the challenges and joys that come with it.
Keyphrase: parenting skills learned in high school
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