Did I Make the Grade?

Today I had my first ever parent teacher conference for my preschooler. And while parent teacher conferences are about the child, in reality we all know the parents (particularly the stay-at-home parent) are really the ones being reviewed. After all, this is your child. They are the direct product of you and your child rearing skills. Our children talk like us, act like us, make up crazy games like us, and from the moment they walk through that classroom door, everything they know and learn from you becomes casual conversation/play amongst a handful of other students and two teachers.

For the last two weeks I have been anticipating this day. While I was also nervous about my Kaylee's first evaluation, I knew it was the only way we could help develop our child into a more well-rounded 'little' person.

I prepared myself for the absolute worst. "Your daughter talks too much. She doesn't share. She cuts the snack line." I had considered every possible negative that could have been thrown my way and, like any other parent, had carefully thought of excuses to bail my daughter out of them. "Yes, I know Kaylee talks too much, but she is very inquisitive and I encourage her to ask any questions she may have... I know she doesn't always share, but we are making progress on this at home. Just yesterday she voluntarily shared all her window gel clings with her sister... Maybe Kaylee was really hungry that day?"

The previous conference had commenced and it was now my turn to sit in that little blue chair across from Mrs. Sisco. "Let's talk about Kaylee." I could feel all the blood rushing to my face. And then she said it. "Your daughter is amazing.... She is smart, independent, and well liked by her peers.... We love having Kaylee in our classroom."

There it was. In two seconds all my fears had been erased. The teacher- who is required by law to tell me the truth- had told me my child is amazing and smart! I knew I had succeeded (so far) as a parent. My daughter IS amazing! Actually, both of them are :)

Before I went to go pick up the girls, I made a quick stop at Panera and bought them a giant m&m cookie. They deserved it. After all, they do have to deal with me all day, every day. And while I work hard to disciple and teach them good morals, I also believe children should always be rewarded for good behavior.