November 27, 2009, Newsletter Issue #261: Parent Teacher Night

Tip of the Week

I went to my first parent/teacher conference last night. The meeting was brief, but very much needed. Seeing my child’s classroom for the first time and sitting at her desk brought a soothing feeling over me. I felt relaxed and at the same time happy. She’s progressing nicely and the teacher is pleased with her behavior and aptitude. I’m very proud of her. Although, the night was uneventful there was one thing that caused some distress in the midst of my exuberance. On her desk was a paper glued to a large collage of shredded construction paper, and at the top was my daughter’s picture with her name below. The art project was a first grade rendering of a “my name is” and the “tell us about yourself” question you get at business functions or team building meetings. It’s cute.
In the middle of this project was a paper asking the children to write why they are responsible people. I thought it was a good as any question to ask a six year old, I read my child’s response.    
She wrote three sentences, “I clean the litter box. I don’t bother my Daddy. I take my cat for a walk.” At first, the only sentence that caught my attention was the, “I don’t bother my daddy” one. I was taken aback by the comment. Actually, I was floored by the sentence. Am I really saying, “Don’t bother daddy,” so much, that my six year-old wrote about it at school? My mind raced as I was attempting to recall all of our conversations over the last year, and in the end, I concluded she was correct.
Children talk or write about what they hear repeated. It’s that simple.
I must say those words repeatedly to my children. Working at home has its advantages and drawbacks. I can confess one of the drawbacks is dealing with my children constantly seeking my attention while I’m working or studying. Like every parenting conundrum, spending time with the children and accomplishing an at-home work itinerary is no easy balancing act.        
I’m going to have to rethink my strategy and come up with a new plan.
At this point though, I’m stumped.
Have a great day and God Bless.

About LifeTips

Now one of the top on-line publishers in the world, LifeTips offers tips to millions of monthly visitors. Our mission mission is to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Expert writers earn dough for what they know. And exclusive sponsors in each niche topic help us make-it-all happen.