The best part of my day
Scroll down past the parenting angst if you’re just here to read Part 2 of my letter to Sarah Palin…
I’ve been a little nervous about Tacy’s parent-teacher conference. Her adjustment to first grade, which was somewhat bumpy at first, has been mellowing out. But there have been other occurrences – two weeks’ worth of undone homework shoved into her backpack, how she clung to me like a barnacle at a lunchtime school picnic, neighborhood social unrest – that made me wonder if perhaps I was in for a lecture on my parental involvement, first-grade style.
Because I often feel as if I’m a neglectful parent to her. She’s old enough to go out and play for most of the day – stopping in or calling to let me know that she’s leaving one friend’s house and heading to another friend’s house or to the neighborhood park. Her cross-country, jet-setting ways display an independence that I want to foster – as much as our bank account and her grandparents’ patience can handle, that is.
My house isn’t the neighborhood hang-out. I’m probably well on my way to being known as the mean mom. I don’t stock snack foods and juice boxes, and I complain enough about cleaning up after my own children, let alone a houseful of other people’s kids. I’ve got a pre-schooler, a baby, and five hundred unread emails – business emails, not thrice-forwarded jokes and political propaganda.
So when Tacy’s around, I try to focus on her. But more often than I’d like, that means focusing on the condition of her room or the status of her homework, not on hearing about what’s important to her and enjoying her – my oldest child – who really is a lot of fun and a pretty amazing little girl.
That’s why today’s conference was so great. I know I looked frazzled when I sat down with her teacher, but she told me, “This is going to be the best part of your day.”
And it was. All of the progress she’s made, the skills and talents she’s exhibited – they reassured me that not only is Tacy on track, but that I’m on track too. That it isn’t necessary to be a helicopter parent in order to promote your child’s success. That her independence reflects positively on her – and on me too, for allowing it.
I’m really proud of my girl. And I’m feeling a bit proud of myself too, for shrugging off some of that undeserved parenting guilt. We’re both doing just fine after all.
——————————
As promised: An open letter to Sarah Palin, part two
September 30th, 2008 at 5:47 am
My mother swears that it is hardest sometimes to raise independent children. Sounds like you’re doing an awesome job.
Amelia Sprouts last blog post..Not that you care, but…
September 30th, 2008 at 6:29 am
Julie – I can’t get the link to work.
For the most part, all of parenting guilt is undeserved. You’re doing just fine!
Gretchens last blog post..I know it’s strange for her as well.
September 30th, 2008 at 10:40 am
That is GREAT! And I love how the teacher put you immediately at ease. What a relief!
mayberrys last blog post..Overthinking the yard sign
September 30th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
What a great teacher. And you’re obviously a great mom.
Heathers last blog post..The Return of the Fun Box
September 30th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
Your part two on Sarah Palin pretty much summed it up as to why I’m so deathly afraid of her becoming Vice President: She will prove to all the cynics and bigots that women are not competent enough to run a country, and the possibility of a future female in any position of power will be shattered.
I can only imagine what Hillary Clinton is feeling right now.
Hannas last blog post..Court Lesson One: The Accidental Witness
September 30th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
Isn’t that such a great feeling?? Yay for both of you! I’ve made it to grade six with Toni and they always put me at ease the moment I walk in the room by telling me that there’s nothing but good things to report. Whew!! *better go knock on some wood now, for good measure*
WONDERFUL letter to Ms. Palin, Julie. Both of them.
Catherines last blog post..The Poor House
October 1st, 2008 at 5:13 am
I am glad I am not the only one with conference angst. I am having the same homework/room thing with Abby. So glad it was a good experience–rock on MGM!
mamamavens last blog post..Can’t Live Without It
October 1st, 2008 at 6:34 am
What a wonderful thing for the teacher to say! You should be proud of both you. I can hardly think of my 5 year old son flying somewhere by himself – what an independent brave little girl you have!
PDX Mamas last blog post..The need to be alone
October 1st, 2008 at 10:22 am
That part two letter was great.
zandors last blog post..I heart Kevin Jonas
October 1st, 2008 at 2:23 pm
What a lovely conference. I only hope ours are that great in the future!
Ozs last blog post..On Fighting Fires and Saving Lives
October 1st, 2008 at 5:18 pm
Congrats on a great conference….for you and Tacy both. Nothing like knowing that you’re doing something very right for your kid!
Anissa@Hope4Peytons last blog post..Wednesday, just like Monday, but later
October 1st, 2008 at 6:30 pm
Oh Julie, I just got all weepy when I read “this is the best part of your day.”
What more could a mama ask for?
You’re doing good.
mom101s last blog post..Home again.
October 3rd, 2008 at 2:39 pm
Awesome awesome awesome that it was the best part of your day – you deserve it.
katie ~ motherbumpers last blog post..remotely makes sense
April 20th, 2009 at 9:10 pm
[...] oldest child is halfway through first grade, getting smarter and funnier and more beautiful every [...]