Wednesday, November 18, 2009

The other side of the table

Today is Emily's parent/teacher conference. Scott is taking a half day so he can join me there at 11:30.

I'm learning more and more that the weird thing about school is that you send your child there how ever often each week, but as a parent you really know anything about what your child does when they are there. Yes, I know that last week Emily made a costume to go along with her Thanksgiving celebration that I will attend next Friday. And I know what songs she's learning in music class for the Christmas performance. And I know which Bible story they're learning about. But I DON'T know how Emily interacts with her classmates. I don't know how she pays attention (or doesn't) during circle time. And I don't know if her teachers really know her and appreciate her the way I think they should. Don't get me wrong, I think she has FABULOUS teachers. And I think they appreciate Emily. But I want to know that my Emily feels loved and cherished. Is that silly? I don't think it is.

As I reflect back to my role as a teacher I hope every child I taught knew that I loved and cherished them. And I hope that each parent knew that I loved their child, both when they were precious and easy to cherish, and also when they weren't. Because if I am learning anything about this school thing it is this: It is hard to trust another adult do love your child as well as you think they should.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ok I remember those angels you let me read to last Christmas and those kids definitely knew they were loved! It was SOOOOO obvious! Glad it went well today!
Lori

Anonymous said...

Ok I remember those angels you let me read to last Christmas and those kids definitely knew they were loved! It was SOOOOO obvious! Glad it went well today!
Lori