Entering the Chaos of High School

I have partnered with Life of Dad and Straight Talk Wireless for this opportunity to write about my thoughts as my daughter enters high school. Some links in this post are sponsored. My thoughts are my own.

As a dad of a teenager entering the chaotic world of High School, my wife and I have a different situation to wrap our heads around than parents of toddlers and middle schoolers. In some ways, preparing for this year has been easier than in years past. But, in some ways, it’s a bit more nerve-wracking.

This is the beginning of one of our daughter’s bigger chapters in life. I say bigger because there are chapters ahead yet unwritten. Even now, she is thinking “dream college” and “backup college”. And the beginnings of a sketch of things beyond college.  I can’t say I had that type of vision at that age but, she certainly does. And my wife and I are both excited, a bit nervous and in a bit of awe all that the same time.

What’s Changed for Us

The biggest is that this “daddy’s little girl” is “little” no more. She’s become a young lady full of potential, hopes, dreams, likes and dislikes.

She is driven from within in unique ways with personal motivations. And has made the most of every opportunity. Just this summer she volunteered (and continues to volunteer) at a local women’s shelter retail store. The surprises continue to astound us.

What’s Made Easier

It used to be that we would have to drag the kid from store to store. Sometimes bemoaning, sometimes complaining, sometimes tired, hungry or, whiny. During those days, a trip to Justice and a smattering of other young girls stores and we were done. Those days are gone. They’ve been replaced (largely) by her bringing her phone to us with her shopping cart ready to check out. The shopping cart has the most desired things that she’s found on sale at the typical retailers for her age: Hollister & Aeropostale. And with a few taps from us on her cell phone the things she wants (and that we agree to) show up a few days later in the mailbox. That’s progress. 

What’s Hard

The harder thing isn’t the technology. It’s more realizing that this person we are actively raising is becoming a person (duh). And then, there are things like learning to drive. What? Where did that time go? Seriously, the time has passed in the blink of an eye. My wife and I (half joke) that time is accelerating. This is not armchair physics. I’m not sure what to call this phenomenon. But, what we have noticed is that ever since we met and something else was added to the mix… getting married, adopted a cat, had a child, adopted a dog. Time seems to pass faster with each year.

How We are Managing (Barely)

Do you have chaos at bay? Good. We are still wrangling it. I think the biggest amount of chaos we encounter is around our schedules.  We’ve slowly adapted to keeping an eye on a group calendar. In our case, it’s a shared Google Calendar that we all have access to add events from our laptops or, smartphones. Now, our family isn’t universally sold on this idea and there are a few nuances that needed to be worked out in our blended Android and Apple device family but, we are working on it and it’s starting to show signs of paying off. 

I don’t know what our daughter will find ahead in high school. I hope it will be something to help her in life and help choose a bright path forward. High School is but a stop along the sometimes rocky road of life. I have all the confidence in her that she can make the best of it. No question, we will be there every step of the way to help her, if she needs it (and sometimes when she doesn’t).

Using cell phones to stay connected is priceless… but an expensive wireless plan is one less item parents need worry about.

If you’ve been thinking about trying to save money on cell phones to help manage the chaos, Straight Talk Wireless has added more high-speed data to its best phone plans. You can now get more high-speed data for the same low price with the latest smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy S8.

• Get unlimited talk, text and the first 8GB of high-speed data then 2G* for $45. Or bump it to 12GB of high speed data then 2G* for $55.
• Straight Talk phones and service plans are available exclusively at Walmart stores and online at StraightTalk.com. For more information and ways to save, visit StraightTalk.com today!

Take a Look at Straight Talk Wireless

Straight Talk Wireless is the leading no-contract wireless carrier, offering customers the best phones on the best networks for less.

• Best Networks: Straight Talk offers nationwide coverage on America’s largest and most dependable networks.
• Best Phones: With Straight Talk, you can choose from the latest phones on the best networks, all for less – including the Samsung Galaxy S8.
• Best Deals: With Straight Talk, there are no contracts, no credit checks, and no mystery fees. With unlimited plans at $45 and $55, you can save on your monthly phone bill and great deals on the best phones.

Connect with Straight Talk Wireless

Website: https://www.straighttalk.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StraightTalkWireless/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MyStraightTalk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mystraighttalk

*At 2G speeds, the functionality of some data applications, such as streaming audio or video may be affected. Please refer always to the latest Terms and Conditions of Service at StraightTalk.com.