Raising a Rockstar

Once again today, I found myself mouth agape, eyes wide, in utter shock at something one of my children did. However, contrary to what you might think, and contrary to what happens most of the time to elicit that response from me, the moment of shock was quickly followed by complete joy, adoration and pride. Today, I watched my Larger Child perform in his school talent show.

Since probably mid September, LC had been talking about how he and his friends wanted to audition for the school talent show this year. They wanted to sing and dance... more specifically, they wanted to perform What Does the Fox Say (or as I think of it, the anthem for every single child this year between the ages of 6-10, OR the song that we all thought was hilarious the first five time we heard it, not necessarily the 105th time our children were singing it).  When he first brought it up to me, I thought it was a cute idea, but I didn't really think much else. That is, until I found out nearly seven months later these kids were still focused on this goal and practicing at recess.  I am not sure my LC has EVER had an interest in anything that long.  So, I knew this was for real.

Audition day came. On the car ride home that day he wondered if they "made the cut." (Apparently elementary talent show judges panels are ruthless... who knew?!?!) The next day he found out that they did get a spot! This lead to the next three weeks practicing every recess and after school.  These kids were focused, determined, and taking it very seriously. 

I did my part shuttling back and forth to practice, I found the track, made a CD, I even made fox masks for them to perform in. (Thankfully, another parent took over the rest of the costumes, and oversaw the after school rehearsals.)

Then finally... Today was the day. Today was the parent's performance. I asked him this morning if he was nervous.  He looked up at me, a little puzzled, and asked "About what?"  I laughed, reminded him of the talent show, and he said, "Oh that? Naw, it's going to be fun!"  All my worries, nerves, concerns, questions evaporated on the spot. I knew he was going to be great.

They were the opening act.  So, after a brief intro from the emcees, LC's group filed on stage. He began the song in the background, humorously bobbing his head to the beat.... then, all of a sudden, when the chorus hit, he jumped to his mic, grabbed it with one hand and looked like a ROCKSTAR! He was ah-maze-ing!! I was totally floored!!  In my head I thought, "OH MY GOSH! MY SON IS SUCH A BADASS!" I am just grateful I didn't say it out loud.

Seriously, I know I was a "performer" growing up. I did the dance recitals, I did the show choirs, but at eight years old I wouldn't have had that kind of confidence, charisma, or fearlessness. It was awesome. I just stood there, totally dumbstruck totally and profoundly full of pride for this child.

Yes, it was just a school talent show. Yes, it was just a silly song and dance with some friends, but to me it was an exhibition of self esteem. The display of a child who feels totally comfortable in his own skin, confident in his abilities, and unconcerned with the opinions of others.  I have NO EARTHLY IDEA how he came to be that way, his father and I can ABSOLUTELY learn a thing or two from him... but regardless, there he was... being a badass.  What a precious and stunning gift to witness. LC in all his Foxy glory.