I’ve been wondering how to write about my 5yo’s first parent-teacher conference. How to put the pride, the joy, the big (huge) smile into words. Without sounding gushy. I know I’m not alone in this concern and I read a wonderful post from Sian at Potty Mouthed Mummy recently, worrying the same; but her post encouraged me to write this one.
I’ve written before about our 5yo and his love of learning, his excitement at starting Kindergarten, his reasoning and logic, his imagination and originality.
He’s clever is our boy, remarkable at times if I’m being honest. Bright and sharp; with such an open and excited approach to every learning opportunity around him. Endlessly curious and such a quick study.
I met his teacher for the first time on Monday. I went into the meeting with no concerns (he has settled well, is enthusiastic, loves homework), I was simply interested to hear what she had to say.
It was truly wonderful to hear someone speak about our son in the same way as we see him.
She commented on his speed, his understanding, his progress. She mentioned his ability to conceptualise and follow instructions without need of clarification. And, most importantly, she spoke of his manners and friendliness and how quick he is to help his classmates; of how kind he is.
She loves his accent!
It’s tricky, this pride thing. I am beyond proud of him; he is a special boy. But, all our children are special, and how do I convey my delight in his abilities without sounding over the top or like one of those parents.
It is true that he is very clever (he surprises not just us, but his teacher). But, he is not gifted (however you choose to define that term), and I am perhaps overly worried about sounding like I think he is.
He is just a bright, enthusiastic, happy boy; who happens to be academically strong too.
I almost didn’t write this post at all. But, I want to remember how I felt hearing his teacher talk about him. I want to hold on to the huge grin that I left the meeting with. I want to enjoy this feeling of pride in my son.
Because, these are the moments that we should remember; the moments where we burst with pride and love for our children, the moments where we know we’re doing something right.
On the tough days, the frustrating days. On the days where you want to cry by bedtime, where you feel like you’re fighting a losing battle. On those days, we need to remind ourselves of these moments; because they are what it’s all about.
Oh I’m glad you wrote this post, especially since it’s something to be definitely #loudnproud about. He certainly sounds like a clever little boy ;) We haven’t had our parent-teacher conference yet, but I think we might have it next week. They have yet to schedule it. Can’t wait to hear what the teacher has to say about little T ;)
I think everyone’s allowed to be proud of their children.
Annoyingly our parents ‘evening’ at nursery is an afternoon, on a day that N doesn’t even go there, so it’s a full working day for me, and I can’t really spare an hour when there’s no slots, it’s just turn up and the other children who go to nursery will be there wanting the staff’s attention, so not sure it’s worth it. I love hearing how well he’s doing although I’m not sure we’ll be getting school reports like your 5yo has just had once N starts school!
I think it’s ok to be proud of your boy and to want to keep this as a record of those feelings. I don’t think that praising his abilities mean that you think he is ‘gifted’ all kids have their strengths and things they are less good at (I nearly wrote weaknesses but that felt wrong) and I think it’s nice to celebrate his strengths and be proud that he’s doing so well. Must have been lovely to have so much positive feedback about him, sounds like he is very lovely and bright boy :) xx #loudnproud
What a lovely post! It’s so write that you wrote it and so important that you can look back on it and remember. Very well done to him :)
I’m glad you wrote that post and you’ve captured your pride with such passion and enthusiasm, just as any mum would. This is your space to write about what makes you happy/sad/proud/angry and who’s to say otherwise – so go for it – and on those days when things are just not going right this will make you smile! Sounds like he’s really settled in well, is enjoying life and is making you all so very proud of him. A lovely pick-me-up post xx
What a fab memory to have hon, it feels great when others are so complimentary about the kids. You’re so right, these moments are what it’s all about xx
A lovely post and proud you should be!
You’re right to be proud. And it’s always lovely to have it confirmed by someone independent that a child is capable and talented and full of potential.