Writer's Workshop - Confession

Hi, my name is Tima

and I'm a helicopter mum.

Now, I never set out to be one.

And for a while I denied being one,

but over the last few weeks,

I've discovered

I am one.

And I've come to accept that.

That's the first step;

right?

The realisation began last year.

Ethan and I were walking to school.

He was carrying his school bag.

I had my bag and his swim bag.

He had swimming afterschool,

and I didn't want him to loose it.

The routine was

after school,

he'd come see me,

drop off his school bag

and fetch his swim bag.

The system worked well.

I never worried about him loosing any bags.

On this particular day,

I noticed his friend G

was walking to class with his school bag

and his swim bag.

I turned to Ethan and commented

on his friend's Independence.

"How come you're not independent like G?"

I wondered.

And then I put his swim bag away safely

and realise it's because I haven't given him the chance.

Nor did I ever give him the chance.

Being a teacher at Ethan's school

also meant I'd stop by his classroom

at least once a week.

Granted, Ethan would be at a special

or break,

and it was a social stop,

I was friends with his teacher.

That just made checking on him easier

and less hovering.

At least that's what I told myself.

Ethan starts at IST on Monday.

And I'm a nervous wreck.

This is the first time

Ethan will attend a school 

and I won't be working.

What if he gets hurt?

What if he feels sad?

What if he's having a bad day?

I won't be there.

I'm a nervous wreck!!!