I sat down on my bed to fold a batch of laundry and fell asleep for an hour-and-a-half. I woke up with bad dreams, drooling, and inhaling a rogue fabric softener sheet that somehow made its way from my laundry pile to my face.I hate falling asleep and waking up at this time of day…It’s depressing. It gave me a head ache and now I am cranky as hell.
So, in order to fight the bitchy, I’m going to sit here, type for a minute. It probably isn’t going to be witty, (Or pretty. Or gay.) just an update about my kids and their schooling. I will keep my fingers and finger-like toes crossed in hope that the two Aleve I took will start to work on the dull pounding going on in my neck, shoulders and brain.
I attended parent teacher conferences for both of my boys yesterday and I walked away feeling really good about it. Christopher is doing really well. He tends to wander off in his head from time to time, and needs to improve on spelling. I was doing part of his homework incorrectly with him, but apparently many of the parents were doing the same thing so now we have clarification and it will be fine.
I have loved volunteering in his classroom. Because I worked so hard and served so long as PTO President, the burnout was so bad that I could barely go into the school the last two years. Not even to help in the classroom. Frankly, the thought even walking through the doors made my eyes roll to the back of my head and break out in hives. I’m glad that the aversion has worn off. For one, I was beginning to fear I was turning into the chick from “The Exorcist” and that I was steps away from my head turning full circle and levitating in the evenings. For two, I’m having a good time helping out again and knowing the intimate details of my kids classroom.
I had my first middle school parent teacher conference about James. He has two low grades. However, it is because he there were one or two tests/assignments that he totally bombed and it just took a huge chunk out of his grade. His overall work ethic and grades have been consistent and good.
Is it terrible that I am not getting my knickers in a twist over a letter grade and am focusing on his improvement in life skills? I have been so worried about them. Every teacher every year says the same thing: He is very smart and they think that he has a very fun personality, his big problem is organization.
Yes, I know. It’s always been MY problem as well. So, how does someone who is chaotic help their child, who is also chaotic?The best way I can. It’s been a slow process because a lot of what I’m trying to help him with goes against my nature as well, but I’m trying. And he’s making progress.
We have what I am responsible for at home under control. His homework grades are excellent in every class. It is what goes on with his time management and keeping track of classwork that is holding him back. So, I am trying to talk to him and work on his organization at home and talking frequently to his teachers to see if it improves.
I dealt with the issue of James getting picked on. Every teacher is aware of it and I will be checking up with them to see if we need to take it to the next level of involvement. I am really hoping that we won’t have to, that they will just get board and stop soon. Cross your fingers.
Our school also holds Book Fair during conferences. I hated it this year. It was all from one publisher, so the selection was very “Eh”. I am a big believer in “You have to buy BOOKS at the book fair, not the random crap they also sell!”, but I didn’t recognize one book title from this publisher. Plus, it seemed to be geared for very young kids. It was frustrating. I should have just taken them to the book store. At least now I know to avoid the second one if I see it’s the same set up.
I’m going to get ready to eat Indian food with my girlfriends and watch the finale of “Top Chef”. I’m kinda voting for Dale or Casey (It would be nice to have a woman win.), although I will admit, Hung is very talented.
Thanks for being here for me during my cranky moment. Typing has helped diffuse the “AAARRRRRG”.
Angella says:
I find writing therapeutic as well. Glad I could be hear to “listen”
October 3rd, 2007 at 6:40 pm
Sharon says:
Hope you are feeling better. ‘Talking’ to friends is very helpful!
We had the same frustrations with our son. He was SO smart, but not good at organization at all. He had difficulty learning to read which really floored me. I had been reading to him since we adopted him at 6 weeks of age! We checked out library books every week! But when he finally got it, there was no stopping him. He was an honor student from then on.
Give James a chance. Each child has their own pace, their own style. From his vocabulary I can tell he is extremely intelligent. From his caring of his brother I can also tell he is warm and empathetic. And he has parents who CARE! Do you know how many teachers CRAVE that kind of parent????? HMMMMM???
Things will happen in their own time. Relax!
October 3rd, 2007 at 7:44 pm
Occidental Girl says:
Kids with caring parents often overcome issues and go on to lead excellent and productive lives. You sound very caring.
Things look good from here, I just wanted you to know, but I know how it feels sucky to be in the middle of it.
October 3rd, 2007 at 9:06 pm
macpipergirl says:
You just like saying “Hung” and you know it…
October 3rd, 2007 at 9:39 pm
Jill - GlossyVeneer says:
I love book fairs. I think I would feel the same “need” to purchase and the same frustration if I didn’t recognize items.
I’m glad that we can be your built-in sounding board for ideas and stress. I wish I could offer more than a sympathetic ear, but maybe that’s the best thing to offer! HUGS!
October 3rd, 2007 at 10:42 pm
loralee says:
Angella- I don’t know what I would do without this little place. It makes me happy.
Sharon-Well, that gives me hope. You’re one of the best moms around. It’s hard because trying to help him with his worst weakness that is also MY worst weakness is daunting. It’s good because it helps both of us, but you just can’t help but feel inadequate a lot of the time.
Occidental-I do care, but my execution SUCKS a lot of the time. So much of this parenting thing is me going “UH…” I have always been much better at big picture things with my kids. Luckily, I have some really good examples of parents around me and the teachers he has are very helpful.
MacPiper- I’m so bummed that he won.:*( I should have made tshirts that said “Hang Hung”. Sigh.
Jill-I normally love book fairs, too! I have to say that book fairs were some of my proudest accomplishments as PO President.
Even though the subsequent Presidents have gone different ways, they have been great to ok. This is the first one I had a major issue with. It sucked.
October 3rd, 2007 at 11:08 pm
Bridge says:
I am not sure if I like book fairs… I like the book, but not the other crap that is there that my kids want. /sigh
October 4th, 2007 at 1:23 pm
holli says:
I didn’t like the damned National Book fair and it was hosted by the first lady! However, we only hit the tent for 3 minutes and I was shoved around by crazed children.. so what do I know?
I think sometimes focusing on helping a child manage life is more important - the grades will come into play on a higher level when he’s older. You’re doing the right thing.
October 4th, 2007 at 1:24 pm
Radioactive Jam says:
I just want to say this is one of the best post titles I’ve ever seen. Ever. And I hope you figure out a way to get your renegade fabric softener sheets under control.
October 5th, 2007 at 7:16 am
hairyshoefairy says:
My mom has organizational problems too and doesn’t know how to help my brother who has the same ones.
I’m sad your book fair sucked. I LOVE them.
October 5th, 2007 at 9:28 am
loralee says:
Bridgy-Yup. That is why I hated this one. I want the kids to buy BOOKS. But this one was icky. Everything was: All about sharks. No literature or fiction. :S
Holli-I think that it would have kicked a fair amount of ass over this one, though. Although I did not have to deal with getting there and crowds and crowds of people!
Radio- Awe! Thanks! I know. I love the way that they smell more than the average person but I have to say that the experience dims a little when it is practically shoved up your nostril. They don’t taste great, either…
Hairy-Wow. I have hope then because she raised YOU.
October 5th, 2007 at 5:58 pm
Alecia says:
I get really bad headaches when I nap during the day too. It sucks. Completely unfair, considering I hardly ever even get the chance to take a nap. It’s cruel and unusual punishment. Argh.
(Yes, I’m PMS-ing.)
October 21st, 2007 at 12:10 am