SHHH!

So RD and I had decided a few years ago to be honest with the kids about the big guy in the red suit. We decided to do the normal traditions for Christmas, but if the kids came to us and asked a direct question, we would tell the truth. ID asked a couple of years ago. It was not easy but we of course told him . We also gave him strict instructions to not tell any of his friends because their parents may not want them to know. He still struggles to understand why parents would want to teach their kids about the big guy. (Of course he just recently put together that the tooth fairy is not real!) He tells us that it is very hard to not tell and has admitted to telling maybe a kid or two. But he has for the most part been very diligent in keeping quiet.
Now AD is another story! (is it because she is a girl or just forgetful?)She has still believed in him--until yesterday. Apparently yesterday they had a bit of a discussion about SC in class . So she came home and asked the big question. I reluctantly broke her heart and stressed that we don't tell other kids. She must have stopped listening to me before I said the latter part. Today around 9:00am I received a call from her teacher. Mrs. S was very cordial and said that she just wanted to let me know what had happened. Apparently the conversation from yesterday continued and AD had some new info to share- "My mom says there is no such thing as SC!" Apparently mayhem broke out after that. Imagine 19 five year olds hearing that news all at once! I believe Mrs. S handled it appropriately. I'm not sure what she said to them, but she did reassure them. I'm not sure what kind of backlash this will create for me- I am the room mother and have just started planning the class Christmas party! I guess only time will tell. AD was very upset, I guess because kids weren't believing her. Mrs. S said she is doing better now. I must apologize to any parents who have explaining or patch up work to do! I am truly sorry! Maybe now she will remember to keep secrets!

Getting the most positive report on your child!

I have discovered a sure way to get a positive report on your child from their school. Sure you kid does fine they say what a good student he is, if he has trouble in a subject it is usually not such a pleasant report. I have experienced both of these situations. But they cannot compare to my last parent/teacher conference for ID. He has struggled all year in reading due to his learning disability, and is basically on the kindergarten level, though he is in first grade. After observing the class that ID has been in for reading,I approached his teachers and the principal about concerns I have with the reading program offered to him. It is a program way over his head and does not address his LD or teach him in a manner he can learn. It also does not allow time for the teachers to address his problems any other way. One week after meeting with them we had our conference. I have never heard such good things about any of my children or how much they have learned in a year! They were so excited to tell us about how he can read! He is apparently doing many things in reading, like comprehending, that many of his classmates can't do so well. I truly cannot put into words all their gooey sentiments and compliments. They were so excited that it has taken him all year to be able to finally put a three letter word together! (Ninety percent of the words he can read, I have personally taught him!) With all this in mind the thing that will help him best is to repeat 1st grade next year! So if you want the best possible report on your child all you have to do is complain, or point out the problems with the school and their curriculum! I promise you it will work like a charm! (I just wish that had actually been my purpose for addressing these issues with them.)
I must apologize for writing such a blah post! This has been the only thing on my mind lately so I had to get it off my chest! This is also a big reason that I have not posted anything for a while. I have decided not to stress about it or think too much about it any more. I am counting down the days till school is over!