One key advantage of having kids close in school years—like our son skipping ahead to join his big sister's path—is keeping that educational rhythm steady. Finish one level? Straight into the next without missing a beat.
Last year: our eldest's first 6th grade (6ème). This year: round two with our Little Big in 6th grade.
For him, the perks are huge: matching curriculum, familiar classrooms from his sister's time, instant answers to his endless questions about middle school life, teachers, schedules, and more. This has slashed his stress levels—he was maxed out watching his sister last year.
The downside? We know exactly how this year unfolds. With hard-earned experience (and fresh memories), we're not repeating last year's mistakes. Our P'tit Grand gets it loud and clear.
So far, he's: 1) working his way (floor of the hallway, minimal effort—you don't fix what ain't broke); 2) reporting back honestly, no sugarcoating; 3) ditching the phone longer than his sister, whose old iPhone 4 was a regrettable December gift.
Of course, I'm no rookie—he'll slip up elsewhere. But not the same pitfalls as his sister.
That alone promises a fresh year. (Relive our 6th grade top/flops here.)
SO MUCH BETTER.
As you can tell, last year was rough—emotionally draining for all. We got proactive this September: hired evening homework help at home. Last year's chaos—thriving agency demands, husband's long hours, plus a teen in crisis—was unsustainable. No more tearful late nights on our knees.
This summer, word-of-mouth led us to Complétude, a tutoring agency (full disclosure: no affiliation). They nailed it: not subject-specific, but twice-weekly sessions for both kids. Focus? Getting organized, progressing, deepening lessons—especially since school ends early.
Since early September, two evenings a week are peaceful. I return at 7 p.m. (extra office hour—win), kids have worked an hour each with their tutor. We chat, connect cordially, even hug (!!).
Home vibe? Transformed. I'm not the homework nag anymore. AH AH—that changes everything. Complétude delivered a gem who read our kids' personalities in days. Impressive.
The teen's improving, knuckling down. We struck a deal: irreproachable behavior, solid teacher notes by term's end (grades aside). No effort? No girlfriend hangouts.
Tough love? Sure, but manageable. Weeks in, things are genuinely better. We're thriving again—even P'tit Grand senses working hard keeps us happy.
CQFD.
Now, two-week breather: they're at my parents under southern sun (lucky!). Proof a smartphone-wielding teen shines amid past clashes? Her airport text:
