It was our very first Parent Teacher Conference. We were beyond excited to hear what was happening at school in the life our new Kindergartner.
My husband and I arrived a few minutes early and waited until it was our time to sit down with our son's teacher. To our complete surprise, the meeting got started right away with negative comment after negative comment. Everything from our son taking too much time to complete assignments to not saying please and thank you.
As I sat, listening, I was in complete shock! This little boy, whose parents believed was near perfect, reading by the start of Kindergarten and so quiet and obedient, was being hammered by this strict teacher who ran a very structured classroom.
I don't remember exactly, but I'm pretty sure by the time we reached the car, my tears were steadily flowing! There was not one positive thing said about my child! (Our kids no longer attend this school, and while this teacher had many great qualities, she is no longer teaching.)
Needless to say, this has scarred me for life. I am no longer excited for Parent Teacher Conferences. For days prior, my stomach is in knots. This was an experience like no other and has not happened to us since, but as with all life experiences, we turned this into a life lesson.
We now head into these meetings mentally prepared in these three ways:
Expect critique of your child. My husband and I always want a take-away... how can my child improve or what does he or she need to work on? We want specifics; if our child is floating along without a targeted weak area, gains will not be made.
I don't think we are the only family who has ever had to sit through a hard Parent Teacher Conference, but I will say, going in prepared to hear the truth, attack what needs to improve, and build that school-to-home support relationship will make for a successful year. We pray for our kids, their education, and teachers daily because we clearly see how much dedication and hard work these teachers put into serving our kids.
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