Parent-Teacher Conferences

For the grade-school kids, we have two parent-teacher conferences each school year. The first takes place near the beginning of the school year and is generally about goals. The teacher will talk about his or her impressions of our child thus far, academically, socially, and emotionally. The second conference takes place towards the end of the school year and focuses on how the goals set in the beginning of the school year were met, and what we can expect for the following school year.

So today we had parent-teacher conferences for Joey, Annabelle, and Daisy. Since Joey is in second grade now, conferences have almost become old hat for him. Not that we weren't utterly pleased to hear all the great things Joey's teacher had to say about him.

What made the bigger impression on me was our conference with the twins' teacher. Being that they're kindergartners, this was our first ever parent-teacher conference with Annabelle and Daisy.

I've lived with this fear that my kids' quirks and idiosyncracies would hinder them in school and expose me as the substandard mother I often feel like. Daisy with her phobias, and Annabelle . . . well, let's just say that it's been a genuine concern of mine that once Annabelle entered kindergarten, her teacher would eventually pull me aside and inform me that Annabelle is a classic case of ADHD. Because at home? At home, she's a handful, to say the least. Seemingly no impulse control. Bouncing off the walls. Into everything, especially everything she's not supposed to be into. I feel like I spend at least half of my waking hours saying, "Annabelle, stop that." and "Annabelle, don't do that." and "Annabelle, leave that alone."

What did Mrs. M have to say about Daisy and Annabelle this morning? She adores them both. "They're both such bright, loving girls." She went on and on about how observant Daisy is, how she makes these connections that are far beyond a typical kindergartner. How eager she is to learn and how thrilled she is to be at school every day. She called Annabelle a "love bug." She told us how Annabelle is full of questions about everything - so inquisitive. She commented on how well Annabelle stays on task and follows directions! I said meekly, "Really? You mean you don't think she has ADHD?" "Gosh, no!" the teacher said.

Now, I know that kids usually save their worst behavior for home, where they feel the most safe and comfortable. But wow, it is truly eye-opening to have the opportunity to see my kids through someone else's eyes.