When I was a high school student, I enrolled in a Sociology class where two pivotal projects revolved around the concepts of marriage and parenthood. We partnered up, orchestrated a wedding complete with white dresses, veils, and cake, culminating in a mock ceremony in the school auditorium. One of the highlights was my teacher, who played my father and walked me down the aisle; he was a charming newcomer who had captured the hearts of many senior girls.
As part of our assignments, we role-played various confrontations and conflicts. Before our simulated wedding, my pretend husband—my friend Robert—had to persuade my “father” to grant permission for the marriage. It provided just a fleeting snapshot of what real marriage entails. Reflecting on it, I commend the effort, despite knowing that no simulation can truly capture the complexities of a genuine partnership. Everything from your partner’s personality to financial circumstances and in-law dynamics contributes to the intricate puzzle of marriage.
The next phase of our teacher’s plan involved the arrival of a “baby.” We were given a 10-pound sack of flour, instructed to name it (we named our baby Jamie, inspired by a character from my favorite TV show), and provided strict guidelines: we could not leave it in lockers, put it down, or stow it in our backpacks. We had to take turns caring for it as if it were a real infant.
Now that I am a parent myself, I realize that the flour sack experience offered only a glimpse into the reality of raising a child. In fact, I found several other high school classes that better prepared me for the journey of parenthood.
1. Drama
Acting skills are essential for parents. I can play different roles—whether it’s pretending to be angry while laughing inside or embodying characters like horses or superheroes. Bonus points for singing nursery rhymes in silly voices.
2. Debate/Negotiation
Bedtime negotiations can be a masterclass in persuasion.
- “It’s bedtime.”
- “Why?”
- “Because you need to rest.”
- “Why?”
- “Because I said so.”
- “How about one more book first?”
3. Algebra
If x represents the hours left before being awakened by a toddler, and y is the hours of sleep I require, then y – x equals NOT ENOUGH HOURS IN THE DAY.
4. Chemistry
Consider this equation: one newborn (NB), one hormonal new mother (HNM) multiplied by postpartum anxiety, added to one relatively sane husband (RSH). The result? Still figuring that mixture out!
5. Music Appreciation/Band
If you can endure a fifth-grade concert of squeaky instruments, you can handle any number of lessons your child decides to take. We all had to start somewhere, right?
6. Physical Education
While I might not have mastered every skill, I did learn the value of creativity—like making up songs about our quirky gym teacher, which might not seem relevant to parenting, but it sure helped with imagination.
7. Home Economics
This class was supposed to equip us with homemaking skills. I may not be adept at sewing (I still shudder at the memory of my disastrous pink sweats), but I can whip up a full meal from scratch using Pillsbury biscuits.
Thank you, Elkhart Memorial High School. Clearly, I absorbed more than I realized.
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Summary
The author’s high school experiences in Sociology and other classes inadvertently equipped her with essential skills for parenting. From negotiation tactics learned in debate to the creativity nurtured in drama, each subject contributed to her ability to navigate the challenges of motherhood.