I am immersed in education this year with four of my five children involved with schooling of

I am immersed in education this year with four of my five children involved with schooling of varying degrees.
Raquel, my five-year-old extrovert of epic proportions, bounced off to kindergarten this week armed with pre-school knowledge of letters, numbers and how to write her name and satisfied that she now gets to ride a big, yellow bus with her older brother. It will be fun watching her discover and react to this beginning chapter.
That older brother, Joel, an eight-year-old introvert of epic proportions, advances to third grade. He made some important discoveries about himself in second grade last year that hopefully will stand him to a good start in a new classroom and a new teacher.
At the very least, with Joel, there's NEVER a dull moment; you can always count on him for a question about something he's found -- be it animal, mineral or vegetable.
Cassandra starts high school. Age 14. The time of mother and father knows least. There is so much to be said here to her at the start of this important four-year stretch.
Unfortunately, for her as well as for the vast majority of 14-year-olds, nothing that comes out of a parent's mouth can be acknowledged publicly. We can counsel, we can teach, we can cajole, we can threaten, we can bribe and then we hope that most of it is, eventually, taken to heart.
Finally, my current lead child in the educational process, Mallory, 18, started college a few weeks ago. This was a surprise. A pleasant and proud surprise. A few short years ago, this wasn't a sure thing. She is leaning toward a career in the FBI. Another surprise. From the path she's traveled over the past few years, and how she's surprised us, I have no doubt she'll make it.
What I would impart to all of them, as they face their particular lessons, is this: Grab all the learning you can now. You will eventually see that, the older you get, the more important learning becomes. Unfortunately, it is age that activates that appreciation.
All your mom and I can do until then is hope for the best and support you along the way.
Good luck this year, kids.