We're applying for Nathan to attend a new school, an all-boys school, here in Memphis and I am so excited about it. The opportunities and resources available to the boys there are phenomenal and I know that attending this school can open a lot of doors for him. I realize that sounds a little crazy since he's only three but with us moving so often we need every little bit of help that we can find to get him in to schools and programs at all of our different duty stations.
For the application I have to write a statement describing Nathan that covers his personality, character, interests and strengths, addresses the values and disciplines by which we're raising him and any circumstances or experiences which might help them better understand him.
Whew. It's a tall order, I've been struggling with it for a week or so. His interview (yep, he has to interview as well) is next week and I need to have the application in prior to that so today is do or die, I have to have this done. I sat down with paper and pen to knock it out and continued to draw a blank.
Then genius struck.
Here I am, at my blog writing my son's parent statement for his private school application. I realized that I think best when my fingers are moving over a keyboard and that I talk most openly and candid when I'm talking to you, my three readers. :) So here goes guys and thanks in advance for the help.
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All boy. That is one of the terms that is most often used by others to describe Nathan and in many ways it is true. He is a tough guy, always willing to climb higher, jump farther and yell louder. He enjoys playing outside, playing with trains, wrestling whoever will dare to take him on and using his imagination to make up his own games.
What isn't encompassed in the "all boy" tag and what others don't always get to see is the tender side of Nathan. The side of him that enjoys sitting in your lap and snuggling over a book, that will sit for long stretches of time drawing (surprisingly accurate) pictures of each member of our family and loves to play with "his baby," or as the rest of us call him, Conrad, his little brother. He also loves to help in the kitchen, although part of me thinks it's just so he can lick the beaters, and can make a mean peanut butter and jelly.
We have always tried to instill in him a strong sense of independence and he has taken that idea and run with it. He enjoys being in control of as many things as we allow him to be (i.e. picking out his own clothes and shoes, brushing his teeth and keeping his playroom clean) and steps up to be a strong helper in the areas where he cannot do things entirely on his own yet. His independence shines best when he is with a group of other children and steps into the role of leader and helper. He enjoys helping his friends and brother master new skills and is always happy to organize them into a game of any type.
Like most three year olds he does have his moments of frustration when things are not going exactly as he wants but with a reminder he is able to use his words and clearly communicate what it is that he does or doesn't want. He has very good verbal communication skills and we encourage him to use them. Of course he is three so that doesn't always work, but we have found that time outs and taking away privileges are very effective ways of disciplining him. We always make sure to speak with him and let him know why we can't do the activity that he was reprimanded for and how he can make better choices in the future.
As a Navy "brat" Nathan has experienced three moves, a six month deployment and a number of shorter separations from his dad. For many kids that much change can be unsettling but Nathan has taken it all in stride. His outgoing personality has allowed him to make friends quickly and adapt to each of the challenges set before him. We look forward to watching him as he continues to grow and discover more about himself and the world every day.
