I had to call Busy Boy's math teacher about something (do NOT get me started about Accelerated Math program) yesterday.
As he is an 8th grader and a bit prone to the "Senior Slide" until graduation on some (but not all) days, I expected her to at least mention something like he needs to "put forth more effort" or "needs to be more careful with his work", etc.
I admit, I skew toward the negative (that sound you hear? Is my husband choking on something at that understatement) was sort of getting preemptively defensive, preparing my responses.
Please be assured, it was more of an inner thing, I wouldn't act like that on the phone, I am nothing but nice, I promise.
Though it is a small school. I don't really know this particular teacher very well, I've only spoken with her a couple of times, so I didn't know what she'd say.
Not only did she answer my questions, but she went on to tell me how wonderful he is (though he is a fine student and is not (usually) in trouble, we don't typically get that type of report on him) and that she is so proud of how he is working and that she brags to everyone about him, and he is really special to her.
She also excitedly told me about how good he is with younger kids and she has some pictures for me from an event that required him speaking (not something he likes) and that he was great.
Blew me away.
I had gotten a very different report from another teacher and was kind of down about it because I didn't think it was entirely accurate (simmer down, I didn't say it to the teacher, and I know there are two sides to things. Also? Am married to a teacher. I'm not that parent, I get it.) and was not expecting this at all.
She said she wished she had thought to tell me earlier, and just didn't think about it.
There may have even been tears on my part.
I'm not really going anywhere with this other than to say just remember that even something that seems small can really make someone's day, and that my parentheses keys seem to be in working order.
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WooHoo for Busy Boy!!! Always nice to have someone say something positive about your kiddos. But, isn't it funny how we parents always expect to hear the worst?
Isn't it groovy when that happens? Oddly enough, that has happened to me regarding my MOTHER. She's eccentric and, though I love her (and to my shame), I tend to focus on her negative traits. I've been blown away by peple saying, "Oh, GrammaJ is YOUR mom? She's so sweet! And Godly! and Cute! I LOVE GrammaJ!!!!"
It forces me to to reset my brain and start looking for all that wonderfulness. And you know what? They're right!
Very cool!
Those rare occasions when people tell you great things about your kids stay with you for much longer than the bad stuff.
That brought back memories because I once had a teacher phone to tell me good things and I was so surprised. It made my day! I guess we always expect the worst. A good lesson.Thanks for the reminder.
Joan
Yay! That's really lovely.
I love it when that happens. I am lucky enough to be an extremely good terms with my daughters teacher this year. I love the fact that she always has nice things to say about my Lily.
Glorious moment. One of the moments when you want to shout out to the world "That's m'boy!".
Congrats!
This is the first time I have read your blog and as a recent grad looking for a teaching job this post really resonated with me. I will keep this in mind when I have my own class : )
Very refreshing, indeed (having been there, many times) oh, and parentheses keys rawk!
When I taught public school (and when I go back in about a year and a half - eeks!), I tried to always start a conversation with parents with at least one (if not more) positives about their child. So many times, we think that teachers/parents should only talk when there is a problem, and that just isn't always the case. Glad you got some great feedback. You doin' good, mama!
Good for BB! Glad to know I'm not the only parent that practices what I'm going to say in my head when I see the school district name pop up on caller ID. It's easy to complain when there's a problem, but great to be reminded that we should let people know when they do something right, too. Had my son give his basketball coach a card today telling him what a great coach he is and how much his giving of his time and talent is appreciated.
That was absolutely wonderful for a momma to hear. Teachers that give us the *good* news, even when it could be the "before" of something the child needs to "work on" - have a handle on what is needed for the mom's and the kids. Our kids sometimes get a bit unruly (okay mine did/do) and when I hear the phone ring and see the school number my heart drops. On the rare occasion when it's something positive - it makes me feel so good.
I'm so glad you got to hear that. :)
I love it when that happens. It doesn't happen enough. I need to remind my teachers to do that.
Sometimes it's really nice to hear something nice about you especially if it's unexpected and it is coming from someone who would not likely praise you. You'll feel very happy indeed.
I love it when I hear nice things about the kids. Just feels good.
Conrads to BB. Don't you just hope that you will get these reports often.
Thats a smart boy you have there!
I hope to get good reports from teachers when my kids are older... even the thought of parent/teacher scares me a bit.
What a nice thing to hear! It sounds like your son has a soft spot for younger kids. It was really nice of that teacher to share that with you!
I went through a similar process the other day but it was the other way around. My son is in grade 6 currently and as far as I was aware is a model student. He is always takes care of his studies on his own and brings how report cards with big fat As. Sorry bragging a bit... he is my son. Last week I received a call from his math teacher informing me that my son has being a constant distraction to other students and the class itself. I was totally taken back, whats a father to do??? :p
John the ticket man.