Back to School

What do you remember the most about starting school?

I can recall it like it was yesterday the butterflies in my stomach that turned to full bats by the time I got on the bus to start the first day. Do you think that the pressures of starting school and fitting in have changed in the last 20 years?

I was talking to a 13-year-old today and she said the pressure to grow up and be something that your not is tremendous. I asked her to explain and she says that we have to wear makeup, have a boyfriend, get good grades, update on Facebook daily, and play sports. All those things just to fit in and be a normal kid. She says at least when I'm home I can let my hair down, play barbies with my sister, and just be. This broke my heart.

What do we have to do as parents to make them not have to endure this day in and day out at school? What do you think needs to change?