Today, I Become A Grown Up

I am attending a parent teacher conference today.  In fact, I am attending TWO parent teacher conferences today.  Why an almost 4 year old needs TWO  parent teacher conferences is an entirely different conversation, but apparently he does.  And of course school is closed to do this.  And of course there is no child care.  And Doug wanted to attend, so my mother was mobilized.

I have to admit, I'm a little nervous.  What will they tell me about my child I don't already know?  Yes he is stubborn.  Yes he doesn't always listen.  In fact he rarely listens.  But he is also incredibly bright.  And eager to learn.  And eager to please. 

I want to know that Michael's teachers see him, that they "get" him.  I remember feeling in school, particularly in second grade, that my teacher didn't like me very much.  What a terrible year that was.  In fact she told my mom I "asked too many questions."  And I see that trait in Michael as well.  But isn't being inquisitive a good thing?

I suspect it would be unrealistic to expect 100% glowing reports.  And I really do love Michael's preschool although sometimes they can be a little too touchy feely for my tastes, like parent teacher conferences for 4 year olds, and talking to me about his bad day of not listening.

So, my husband and I are going to meet with my son's teachers.  Why does this make me feel more like an adult than buying a house, or getting married, or having a baby?  And why does the school not offer child care?  Don't we all have children?

Comments

[apathy lounge]

I guess this school is of the mind that they can "nip this thing in the bud"...whatever it is. Of course, his NOT LISTENING may very well be a a part of his personality. And honey, my third one is just like him. Maybe they are twins separated at birth. Except I guess we would know, huh?

[Cagey]

I remember having a teacher or two who plain did not like me. And it was rough. Eh.

Good luck today, though - I dread going through those.

[Maria]

Chipmunk has his conferences next month. I'm not looking forward to it. He's the "trouble kid" in class but manages to get by on his charm.

[Kristie]

My daughter's second grade teacher didn't like her, which in turn made me not like the teacher. I'm not one of those moms who constantly thinks their kid can do no wrong but this woman just rubbed me the really wrong way. It was so bad that I sicced my ex husband on her. He can tolerate anyone and he didn't like her either. I was so glad when we moved on to third grade.

[Sarah]

Good luck. I'm sure it will be fine.

[Beth]

OH, I feel your pain. Our BugMan (1st/2nd grade now) was your son. Actually, he still is. A really young 6 year old in 1st grade is HARD. Being a really bright kid in the body of a preschooler is tough on everyone. We've been really lucky so far in all his teachers understand he is young but continue to challenge him to do more. I mean, how many 6-year-olds do you know that do 2nd grade math and read at a 7th grade level. He definitely keeps them busy. It is hilarious to me when I get all these calls from the school principal that he's done something (oh, he's such a bad kid, NOT!!!)but every adult in the building adores him. It is soo hard not to question her and just agree he needs to be talked to.

[much more than a mom]

Two? How strange? I am a teacher and we never have child care at those things...good point!

Nicole, aka Much More Than a Mom
http://www.muchmorethanamom.com/

[Beth Fish]

Does he have two conferences because he is in two different classes, or do all the kids have two? Because that would be strange. Also, isn't this a preschool slash daycare place? I would think they would definitely have child care. Mia's school had childcare for conferences and they are a pick the kid up at noon or else place.

[Joyce]

Thanks for stopping by.

I've only been on the other side of those parent-teacher conferences...as the teacher. And even though it'll be a few years before my first one as a parent, I know what you mean about it being a "grown up" thing. Hope you get a good report...even if it means making improvements or changes in some areas.

What's wrong with asking questions? Maybe your teacher didn't have the answers...=/

[Sheri]

I remember the first time I got a call from a teacher for Matt. I cried. Well, not when I was talking to her, but I was a softie.

I don't get the no child care thing either. My parents are old, and watching my two youngest isn't their idea of fun.

Quinn's preschool has informational meetings and stuff on Fridays, and I'd love to go, but I don't want to have my parents watch him every Friday.

[Mom on the Run]

Definitely a good idea to treat any parent-teacher conference seriously. The teacher only sees your child for part of his day. You can fill in the teacher on anything you think the teacher should know.

I started going to conferences when my oldest was 3. In elementary school we go to two conferences: lang. arts in fall and math in spring. In middle school your child will have 5 to 6 teachers. You can opt to see all or just some of the teachers.

What I have found helpful with all three of my children is to take a spiral bound notebook to every back-to-school night and conference. I have a written record of teacher comments. I cannot tell you how many times I have pulled out my children's notebook. I would get lost if I kept the notes from the conferences on random pieces of paper. I keep grade reports, and certificates in a three-ring binder. I have one for each child. Also, very helpful.

If the teacher has a negative comment about your son, don't take it to heart. Ask the teacher to explain why she thinks it is a problem. In my son's case, his preschool teacher mentioned that he liked to monopolize the blocks. My son is the youngest in our family and very bossy. I asked the teacher to help him share. She said she would. He's in K now...still bossy, but at least I know what his problem is!

[FishyGirl]

They don't offer someone to watch your child during the conferences? That's weird - our preschool has the kids stay with the assistant teacher while the parent(s) meets with the teacher. No sibs, though, so I was always out of luck. I get a sitter for them. Two a year, fall and spring. I'm surprised they are having you go to two of them, but I guess it's just so you can get the perspective of both teachers. Right? Maybe they can combine them next time - it's worth asking about. My school has bent over backwards to do things that work for both them AND the parents. You shouldn't have to go to two conferences.

[Leticia- Tech Savvy Mama]

So how was it?!?

[Sarah, Goon Squad Sarah]

This was my first year of parent teacher conferences where I didn't feel like a fraud.

And my school had childcare this time.

[Angel]

Oh dear, I completely understand you. I had my first parent/teacher meeting a couple months ago, but it was for all parents together with the teacher, and it made me feel so grown up (I'm 27, so have been for a while!). It's so funny.
I also understand what you mean when you say you hope they "see" him and "get him". Unfortunately, Ashley's teacher does neither of those and only gives me headaches, nightmares and reasons to not like her.