It’s been a big year for Lil Man.
A-level exams sat. Now, you have to remember that his year group of children never sat their GCSEs due to the pandemic, so these were the first official exams they were faced with.
It was nerve-wracking for us as parents, too, since with all the home-schooling and online learning, education became hard to understand for many.
Were these kids prepared? How could we help them? Why did learning and revising look so different to when it was our time, thirty-odd years ago?
Still, they came and went.
He turned eighteen in June after sitting his last exam, so he is officially an adult.
It’s a strange time, legally able to do so much more, yet turning eighteen doesn’t automatically make a boy a man.
That comes from life experiences.
We’re still trying to find a decent driving instructor for him, so he can get his licence. Living where we are, it is important for him to retain his independence, as the public transport available to us is lean.
But yesterday, it was result day.
He’s not had the easiest of journeys in the Sixth form. He loved two subjects and hated the third that he had to take.
In fact, one of that subject’s teachers was not the best person to nurture him. She led him to believe he was going to fail.
So we held out hope that he at least got the lowest pass grade for that subject.
At least, that would still be three A-level-style qualifications. The other two, he was confident in.
We weren’t home yesterday, plus he really didn’t want to go to school to get his results; however, after a few hours, they were available online…
And he did GOOD!
In fact, he overachieved with that subject he was destined to fail!
So my Lil Man ended up with good grades!
Take that, doubters and haters!
Now he’s in the process of sorting a higher-level apprenticeship out.
This is a way to begin your work life while obtaining qualifications while you earn and not burden yourself with a lifetime of debt through a university degree.
He’s got his head screwed on, my Lil Man.
And we are very proud parents.
Definitely closer to being able to be called a man.
But I Smile Anyway... 
Aug 18, 2023 @ 22:32:38
So very pleased for you all especially Lil man he’s a hero. Well done, happy days and congratulations 🎉🎉🎉
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Aug 18, 2023 @ 22:36:00
Thanks, Sis! We are very proud of him 🥰
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Aug 18, 2023 @ 22:36:17
Of course you are 💜💜💜
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Aug 18, 2023 @ 18:26:38
Congratulations to your son…and to you! Well raised and educated, too, despite the complications of COVID and the “iffy” aspects of home schooling. A lot of kids didn’t have parents who were prepared to home school, and those kids barely manage to get through course work now that schools are back in session.
As for getting a driving license, I know it is a very involved and intense process there, unlike where I live where a 25-question test once plus a short driving test and an eye test a blind man can pass put you on the road. No moving violations for the five-year period the license is valid, and all you have to do is pass the blind man eye test for five more years of legal driving! (It’s scary when you think about how much better European drivers are prepared for the road. I felt safer driving there than in the USA.)
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Aug 18, 2023 @ 18:46:46
Oh bless you, Doug!
Thank you for your good wishes.
I think he will be a great driver once he starts his lessons. He’s confident and careful 😁
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Aug 18, 2023 @ 18:58:16
I would expect any child of yours to be exceptional! No b.s., Ritu. And best wishes for his driving lessons.
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Aug 18, 2023 @ 20:27:03
You are too sweet, Doug! Take care of yourself!
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Aug 20, 2023 @ 02:31:37
You, too! Thanks!
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Aug 18, 2023 @ 18:11:44
That’s amazing! So pleased for him and for you ❤
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Aug 18, 2023 @ 18:45:25
Thank you, Lovely 💛
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Aug 18, 2023 @ 18:05:24
Sis, that’s wonderful news! Congratulations to your son. I never understand British education systems. Is the A level like graduating high school in the U.S., or equivalent to an Associates Degree?
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Aug 18, 2023 @ 18:45:07
It’s the qualification pre degree. 😁
Thanks, Sis! 🥰
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Aug 18, 2023 @ 19:47:14
So it’s on to Uni for him, then? How exciting.
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Aug 18, 2023 @ 20:28:48
No, he a going the apprenticeship route. This is where you get a job with a company who.is willing to invest in your further education while you work there, so you don’t pay the fees for the learning, they do. And you commit to that company for a few years, since they are investing in you.
Plus, as you are working there, you get paid, too!
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Aug 18, 2023 @ 17:48:11
Well done that man!
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Aug 18, 2023 @ 18:44:26
Thank you Steve!
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Aug 18, 2023 @ 16:30:19
Congratulations on his exam success. Lol Man is entering young adulthood on a good note. I hope he finds an apprenticeship to his liking, Sister. Cheers! 💛
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Aug 18, 2023 @ 18:44:12
Thank you Brother! Let’s hoping! 💛🙏🏼
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Aug 18, 2023 @ 14:49:05
Yay! And he’ll get there and find his way
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Aug 18, 2023 @ 15:17:04
Indeed he will Beth! Thank you 💛
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Aug 18, 2023 @ 14:47:44
Congratulations to your son, Ritu. Good for him. Another big problem sorted!! The very best of luck to him.
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Aug 18, 2023 @ 15:18:21
Thanks, Joy 😁
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Aug 18, 2023 @ 14:26:09
Hooray!!! Such good news, Ritu. I don’t fully understand the higher level apprenticeship, but not being stuck with debt from a university is a good thing.
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Aug 18, 2023 @ 15:18:12
It means the company funds your further education and invests in you, while giving you employment! Win win!
Thanks Jennie!
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Aug 18, 2023 @ 16:33:46
Ah! Great idea!!! 😀
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Aug 18, 2023 @ 14:16:23
Congratulations Ritu to you and your son. Great result
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Aug 18, 2023 @ 14:18:18
Thank you Sajde 💛
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Aug 18, 2023 @ 15:28:08
You’re welcome ☺️
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Aug 18, 2023 @ 14:06:46
Great news and a good choice. Our older son completely surprised us by deciding to join the RAF after A Levels and he did indeed become a fighter pilot with a great free education along the way, including getting his degrees. Our daughter worked after A Levels and eventually was NHS funded to get a degree in physiotherapy. University straight from school is not always the answer. They have entered their forties now so I can’t speak for what opportunities there are now, new and varied ones I hope.
ps I am really enjoying your new novel Ritu and love the humour.
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Aug 18, 2023 @ 14:17:47
Thank you so much!
I really didn’t know much about aporenticeships as they stand, today, but it is a learning curve for us all.
When it was my time, we weren’t paying to go to university, a d I didn’t qualify for a grant, so my parents funded my accommodation and living expenses. But the debt a kid leaves university with nowadays is eyewatering!
I think he made the best decision.
🤞🏼 the right one comes his way soon 🥰
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Aug 18, 2023 @ 14:18:07
And, I’m so glad you are enjoying the book 💛
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Aug 18, 2023 @ 13:57:34
I think most of us went through “difficult times” as teenagers, but most come through it just fine and so did yours….and I mean difficult in all the ways: growing pains, social skills etc that take time to learn – luckily he had you and your husband to guide him!
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Aug 18, 2023 @ 14:15:07
Thank you, John!
Yes, different times, different challenges.
But we are so proud of hi. 🥰
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Aug 18, 2023 @ 13:54:45
How wonderful!! I’m pleased to hear he is going the apprenticeship route. It really is the way to go. You as parents have done well. Congrats.
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Aug 18, 2023 @ 14:14:23
Thank you Darlene. We helped some, but he was his own driving force. Very proud of him 🥰
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