 | NixMom:
Hats off to you for your reply to ABC... I truly understand what you are faced with. I, too, have a wonderful 5 1/2 year old that just started Kindergarten. He is advanced for his age in his feelings, vocabulary, and we consistantly enjoy compliments on his behavior and respect. He is a very sensitive and outgoing young man. However, he IS 5 and challenges us in many ways. We tease that he will be a lawyer someday, because he is very aware of situations and could negotiate his way out of just about any situation. He has always been around older children and adults. He did attend preschool. We have had to become even more strict with him at home to ensure his behavior is consistent when out of site. However, I believe, like most children, he tests each environment he is in to find the limits. If limits are missing, he will continue to push. He is far from passive. He has always spoken his mind, courteously, and we encourage him to do so.
We just had our first teacher conference and were told that he "didn't meet minimum standards in counting and letter recognition". This is the child that counts to 50+ and knows his letters...but refuses to share his knowledge unless directed to (He gets bored easily.) If he is allowed to "cop out" , he will. Today, I also received a notice from the principle stating that they were concerned with his "behavioral/social skills". At this point, I have no idea what that means....that's tomorrows battle. I guess my point is this.....teachers are paid and trained to encourage children of all levels and social backgrounds to flourish. If a teacher has 20 kids, not all 20 kids are going to comply to their demands and schedules. And , as a parent, I don't believe that they should be required to. I take full responsibility as a parent and take very seriously my role in raising my child to be a responsible, well mannered and educated adult. However, I also feel that our school systems leave a great deal of "gray" that noone wants to deal with, so it becomes the fault of the child....?!?!? Labeling children w/ OD or ADHD or ADD because they don't fit the teachers idea of "normal" is overrated.
My advice, be your childs biggest advocate. Continue educating yourself of issues at hand and alternate ways to handle them......maybe there is an answer somewhere(and when you find it, please let me know!!!!) Don't allow yourself to feel that your child is inadequate.......and DO NOT EXCEPT anything but what is in the best interest for the growth of your child. People like ABC normally are the educators..............consider the source! Hang in there. |
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