Today was my first experience with real parent-teacher interviews. Prior to this, we’ve had interviews at the kids’ nursery school, and with kindergarten teachers. But those were more about social development and behaviour than real academic performance.
Grade One is a different ballgame. It’s math, reading, language, science, social studies. The real shebang. Things are serious now, and the Boy is embarking on an academic journey that will inevitably define his path in life.
I’ve got high expectations. My parents had the same of me, and I worked hard to meet them. There wasn’t really an option – working hard in school was so deeply ingrained in me that I knew no other alternative. For that clarity of vision, I am so grateful to my parents. Only now, as I embark upon this journey of childrearing, do I fully realise how much they did (and do) for me. I can only hope to give my kids the same childhood experience as I had – and the same work ethic.
The Boy’s report and overall performance were good. But there are things he needs to work on. We’ve all got to work on it together. Time has to be made for homework, for reading, for practice…and then play. I’ve got to get him away from the Wii. And away from the hockey. At least for a while. The fun begins!
Amreen,
I like the way you say “We’ve all got to work on it together.” – too many times it’s left up to the child to ‘pick up their socks’. I do think it’s important that our kids learn to schedule their time between school, sports, friends and me-time. All too often I see young adults ‘freak’ because they are overwhelmed with ‘all the things I have to do!’…and if they had been made to schedule their time and make the tough decisions as what to do and not to do; they would have the tools necessary to face their too-many things to do problems.
Trish 🙂