Report Cards

Last week was parent-teacher conferences. I have some children that breeze through school and some that don't! Alexys and Justyn's teachers basically had nothing to talk about. They both have straight A's and have no behavior problems so we just talked about my classes. The teachers all know that I am in school pursuing an education degree because I get to spend time each week observing in their classes. I love it because I get to see my older kids and how they interact with their peers and teachers, I get to see the different teaching styles and I better understand their expectations for my children and I get to learn from their teaching techniques.

Shaelynne and Zachary's teachers had very different feedback for me. The common complaint was "I say something, they seem to get it, and then they turn in their homework and they have done it all wrong." "It appears to go in right but comes out scrambled." "We have no idea how to get through to them." Blah, Blah, Blah!

First, I really like all of the teachers. Like I said, I have spent time in each of their classrooms and they are all amazing teachers. Second, I know that my kids aren't perfect. Third, they try really hard! Fourth,I agree with the teachers, these two are not getting it. And Fifth, what am I supposed to do about it??????

So my mom instincts kick in here and I feel frustrated and defensive. I don't know how to help them understand what they are not getting. I've turn into a nagging mother constantly saying, "Is your homework done?" "Show me your homework!" "Get back to your homework!" The tension in our home is thick, especially between Zach and I. I had to sign a contract last night from the Principal that I would check his homework every night, feed him nutritious meals, put him to bed on time, have weekly contact with his teachers, read with him, and I can't remember what else. Funny thing is I already do all those things. Now I just do them with a really bad attitude.

I'm glad it's Friday. Hopefully, I can use the weekend to re-evaluate the needs of my children and do my part to make the few hours that my children are with me each day more pleasant. After I had finished lecturing Zach the other day, I put my arms around him and told him I loved him. He didn't say anything. I stepped back and looked in eyes and he had tears running down his face. I felt like scum. I hugged him again and kissed his cheek and apologized for not doing a better job at my mom job. Lately, I seem to do more things wrong then I do right. I only have him for 5 more years. I don't have much time left with him.

I know my kids are in the right place though. As I was visiting with the dance/p.e. teacher, we were discussing how different each of my children are. Then she became really emotional and told me that she had just bought hula-hoops for the first grade class to help them learn the waltz. I know very little about dance and so I had obviously had just missed something. I gave her a look of confusion. She smiled and said through her tears, "I know a little about Alexys from her teacher. I too was a victim of sexual abuse as a small child and I don't want her to feel uncomfortable dancing with a boy. I love her and I want her to know that my classroom is a safe place for her to be." Then she hugged me as we both cried. Later, I told Alexys about my conversation with her teacher. She gave me a hug and said, "I always wanted to grow up to be a teacher just like Mrs. J. Now I know that I can. I am going to be just like her. She is beautiful and strong, just like me!"

The Lord knows each of our individual needs, and he loves each one of us. Sometimes he sends his love to us through an angel, and sometimes he lets us be that angel in someone else's life.