Positive Reinforcement

Sometimes it’s good to get some positive comments, especially when it comes to being a parent.

So, when I went to Parent/Teacher Conference last night, I wasn’t expecting all that much, just dreading finding out the latest things my kids have neglected to turn in, or what the next big project due next week is. I was delighted to hear praise and good things from all the kids’ teachers. Apparantly they save all their sassyness and negative attitudes for mom and her need to hear them practice the piano daily. So, I don’t mean to brag, but…I must (so if you don’t want to hear me bragging about my kids, just stop reading right now. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.)

–Cole scored 100% on the Math section of the state curriculum testing done last spring. His other subjects were also quite high, all level 4, which is the highest profficiancy rating.

–Megan is everyone’s favorite student, and “a joy” to have in class. She’s also quite gifted in art (the art comment didn’t suprise me, but I must say I’m a little suprised that her teachers love her so much). She also tells her teachers everything I do, apparantly, and her Social Studies teacher said to me, “Oh, I hear all about you–playing bells with the tabernacle choir, doing an amazing shopping race–you must be lots of fun!” That was nice to hear that Megan speaks well of me, especially since we had had a little run in just that morning that ended with Mom reminding her that we are her family and I expect her to “be nice!”

–Natalie’s teacher said she has NEVER had a child who reads so well in the first grade, and that she reads on a 7.5 grade level. That comment really blew me away. I mean I know she reads well, but seventh grade? Wow.

So, like I was saying, it’s good every once in a while to have some outside feedback on how your kids are doing. I came home with a renewed appreciation for my smart, well behaved kids, and I will try to remember that next time they leave their dishes on the counter and their shoes and backpacks in the middle of the floor.