My oldest son is attending our local community college part-time as a junior in high school. We are grateful for the wisdom of gradually transitioning from full-time home education to full-time PSEO. He has acclimated well to the accelerated pace, but there have been screeching-to-a-halt moments of stress and anxiety.

One night, he vented about the technical inaccuracies of his online web assignment format. Both my husband and I attempted to problem-solve a solution, but it became clear did not want my advice.

I could have been offended. Maybe I was a little bit. But, then I decided to help in another way. Throughout the weekend, I finished his laundry and made his bed. I reduced his chores to keeping his room clean and mowing the lawn. If he needed to vent, I listened. If he needed a hug, I supplied. Whatever he needed, I gave in little ways such as keeping Brisk stocked in the fridge.

"Thanks, Mom," he said, a few days later.

"For what?" I said, feigning ignorance.

"For just being mom. I didn't need you to be teacher-mom this time. I just needed you to be 'the mom.'"

He and his brothers returned the favor on Friday. I have battled several migraines over the week, and by Friday they were taking a toll on my concentration and well-being. My youngest doled out a much-needed hug. My middle son did his best to finish his assignments thoroughly. My oldest offered to drive as we went on errands. We had great discussions traveling around town. It was my turn to acknowledge gratitude for my student-sons "just being sons."