Enough’s Enough?

I have never been the kind of parent that says, “not my kid.”  Rather, I am the first to suspect my kid is up to no good.  Because of this, I have always been on the teacher’s side first and foremost.  Any time the teacher mentioned something my kid did (or didn’t do as the case may be) in school, I looked to the teacher on how to handle it and proceeded accordingly.  Why wouldn’t I?  They know best, right?

From day one of kindergarten, I’ve been getting lengthy updates on my daughter’s challenges. Kindergarten has not been an easy transition for her. It started with her inappropriately laying on the rug when she was supposed to be sitting up. I explained to her that there is a time and place for lounging, and school was not that place. But…there is a moment of the day (well, more like a half an hour) where they take out their towels and have rest time. So while I’m at home, I’m trying to convey to my five year old who is completely new to FULL DAY school – that while lounging is not appropriate during learning time, there is in fact rest time at that same rug but only when instructed. I’m sure that message was sent loud and clear…not.

As the year has progressed, the challenges have been her constant desire to socialize. Chatting in the hallway, chatting at her desk, missing instructions, taking too long in the hallway – the list goes on and on. I have always been the kind of parent who wanted detailed notes on my children’s days. I wanted to hear about the successes as much as the challenges. We could discuss the challenges to hopefully work through them on both sides.

Careful what you wish for! It’s enough. Gabby talking in the hallway at 11:15 am, has no benefit to me or her for that matter. She doesn’t remember what she’s discussed, she doesn’t even remember what happened by the time she gets home. There is no consequence I can bestow at home that will help her progress in school. I don’t email the teacher the challenges I’m up against at home, why must I hear every single one at school?!?! I get the sneaking suspicion that she gets the best version of Gabby at school…if that’s telling her anything about what I’m up against!

We have a fabulous teacher who is determined to help Gabby with every educational struggle. Especially since you pretty much have to have the intellect of a first grader in kindergarten these days, the teacher has been endlessly patient and understanding. Even these behavioral issues, she has set up positive reinforcements for her in order to set her up for success. I can’t help, though, but feel frustrated that I have had to hear every detail about the challenges since day one. Previous to this experience, I would have welcomed them. Is it fair to say, enough’s enough????

‘My teacher says this report card should not be taken as an indictment of my heredity or home environment.’