Raising Boys

Dreading tomorrow February 23, 2006

My son is going to compete in a math contest tomorrow and I’m the one who’s a nervous wreck. My hands are clammy, my stomach is queasy, and I can’t concentrate on what I’m doing.

So far, his preparations for the contest went well. He was able to answer most of the review questions given by the teacher. Since the questions are timed, the teacher had prepared him and a teammate by asking them to solve problems and timing them. He was always able to answer the questions before the teacher rang the bell for each question. This does not help me, though.

I’m really just scared for him. What if they lose and he can’t handle the disappointment. What if he cries on stage; he’s only seven years old after all. I know I’d love him forever even if he does not get a single question right but how would he feel.

I don’t know what tomorrow will bring, but I’ll be there for him, putting on a calm front even though I’d be panic-stricken inside, and I’d be praying that he’d just make it through the day.