Okay, but WHY does middle school have to exist???

My oldest square peg went to middle school orientation last week. I. WAS. A. WRECK. Truly. I was spiraling and just couldn’t help it. He’s my first baby; my precious, sensitive child. How am I supposed to just let him go??

That wasn’t rhetorical. I need actual answers bc I have no clue how to, please and thank you.

I don’t think I’d feel this way if it were my second child going. That child is unfazed by almost everything in life and paves his own way. But my first baby—he’s just like me: anxious, rigid, and lover of all things home where he can be his truest self. But unlike me, he’s so brave and level headed. He’s so much smarter than me—not just at that age—now! He has this incredible world view that is so open and honest and curious and beautiful. I wish I were more like him when I was his age. Scared and hesitant but oh so bold. I can’t wait to watch him continue to grow more into who he is. I just wish it wasn’t frowned upon to follow him wherever he went… I mean, what’s so bad about that????