Parent-Teacher Conferences

I’m realizing how unnecessary and draining worry is and I was shown an example of that last night. When I was a kid there were a LOT of worries when I watched my folks walk out that door knowing they would be speaking to my teacher. About me. ALONE. I would be a mess of nerves and anxiety the whole time they were gone. As soon as they pulled into the driveway I would watch them from the window glued to their faces searching for any hint or clue as to how the meeting went. I’m not sure why I was always so worried. I always got the “talks too much in class” checkmark and occasionally I got the “doesn’t stay in her seat” but all in all I was a pretty good, maybe a little depressed, kid.

So as hubby and I are walking into the school we noticed all these other parents walking in for their meetings too, but nearly everyone brought their kid with them. I reread all the emails and messages about this conference and never once does it say to bring your kid. Growing up, I never went to my own so I just thought that’s how it always is. Hubby said he never went to his either so I don’t know if this is a new thing or not.

We’re standing outside Tristyn’s kindergarten classroom waiting for his teacher to call us in and I’m bracing myself for the apology of not bringing him and for the report she was able to give us. I fully expected her to tell us he talks a lot, doesn’t listen the first time, gets hyper, and doesn’t sit still. I was ready for those results. What was most important to me was that he was a good person and a kind person to other people. That’s all I cared about.

Not only did my ultimate wish come true but we learned so much more. Tristyn tested top of the class and they are considering him advanced and “gifted.” He has complex and creative ideas, he’s always engaged and never daydreams, he’s the first to raise his hand and she can always count on him to help lead the class. She said he has such good manners and is so nice and kind to everyone. Here it comes…he can get a little handsy with his friend Dashel because they like to play/fight karate. She understands they were best friends before coming into school so she totally understands that. She said her biggest job at this point is to keep up with his pace.

I ugly cried in the truck. I almost lost my breath I cried so hard. My Mommy heart needed that report so much even as a reassurance that he’s ok. I want him to be happy. He is. Hard work pays off. The rewards are enormous.