Yes, I spelled that right. GENES. Ever find yourself asking the question: "How can the same gene pool produce such different offspring?" My hubby and I ask each other this often. Our kids are as different in how they approach life as sweet is to sour. Yet, I know they are all ours, (I have the stretch marks to prove it!) and I love the differences in them. This has been back-to-school week at our house. My children each approach their back-to-school adventures in very different manners. I marvel at how each of my offspring can be so similar and yet so very different with how they approach this rite of passage. Same end goal, same gene pool - much different approaches!
My oldest is very linear. He has a plan in place, and a method behind his plan. His plan has been thought out from start to finish, and he really does not want to deviate from the plan in his head. He went back to his second year of college this fall, and was excited to go. But, you would never know that from any emotion showing. He holds his cards very close to his chest.
He prepared by ordering the books he needed, and making sure all his clothes were clean and packed. He didn't take any unnecessary items. He even had the number of hangars counted out to match exactly the number of items that would hang. There was a scheduled time to leave, and a plan for when we arrived. Everything went according to his plan, and there were only minimal surprises. He has his school schedule planned out, and knows what classes will happen when for several of the next semesters. (unless he gets crazy and changes majors - ha!) His social life is directed on his own terms which may include some time out doing activities, but then he is done with people and would prefer to have some time alone.
My middle child prefers to delegate what needs to happen to others for them to do. She also keeps her emotions fairly closed, but will open up with a little prodding and some time. She is very able to see what needs to be accomplished, but excels at assigning tasks to those around her that are willing to do what she tells them to do. She is happy when she is in charge (aren't we all?). Her plans tend to be a little more vague than her older sibling's, but she still has them. She approaches school like a job, it has to be done - and she manages her time/energy very well in order to be successful with the task. Her plans also tend to "evolve" as they play out. Her getting ready for school focuses on sleeping as long as possible with as minimal prep time as necessary to get out the door. She likes to be social with a very select group of people, but will interrupt her original plan to make time for a social change.
My baby? This one loves to express herself. In everything. Rarely do we have to wonder what she is thinking. She lets us know. From the choices of her activities to her make up, to her clothing. All various expressions for every emotion she experiences. She began preparing for school nearly as soon as summer started. Not because she loves school, but because she LOVES to shop. She plans her outfits days in advance. Sometimes weeks! She may not have any idea when her assignment is due, or even where it is at the moment, but she can tell you which fabric choice works best with another and why. Her social group is large and varied with friends in every "group" at school. She dreads the organized structure of the school day, but LOVES the social aspect. Her plans happen in a moment's notice, and can change in the next breath.
The silly part of all of this? They are all doing well and are happy. I love each of them like crazy, and they also all make me want to scream on a regular basis. Even though they like to say they are "breaking the chain" from the craziness of our family -- I think their gene pool is serving them well so far. Here's to a fantastic start to a new school year - regardless of how your genes fit!
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