Once your child starts school... Be an Advocate

My daughter started "big school" this year and we were both so excited. She loved her experience at preschool and was ready for bigger and better things ahead in "big school." I've always loved learning and school, since she's such a curious, enthusiastic girl, I was convinced she'd love it too and have a wonderful experience.

The first few months have been a very bumpy ride. Instead of 'bigger and better' the tone in the class is quiet and controlled and my daughter is confused by all the rules, and frankly so am I. One day she came home in tears because she got a time out for singing while choosing a book. I went in to talk to the teacher the next day, it was my third meeting with her. I got some of the back story and shared some of my views as well, emphasizing that it's important to me that my daughter enjoy school and there be a balance in the classroom, so she can express herself as well.

My husband and I ended up speaking with the principal, who basically said to go back and talk to the teacher. Next stop, the school counsellor, I hear she's more helpful mediating with the teachers in this school. I'm learning to be patient - after all, Rome wasn't built in a day!

The world of parenting brings all kinds of surprises, having problems with teachers and principals wasn't one I ever expected to have! Be open minded, balance the needs of the teacher and class with the needs of your child. Be patient, but most of all, be involved. Your kids will thank you for it!

Appreciate your family, Live right NOW

Who are you being? Do your kids feel like you understand them? Do they feel you get who they are? As an adoptive mom, I am much more aware of who my daughter(s) are and who they are not. I don't hold any illusions that they are like me. They are, who they are. This can still prove to be challenging when personalities are so different, sometimes it's difficult to understand where the other person is coming from.

I still practice being completely immersed in the moment. I notice a real difference in my kids when I am being present. They are more calm, and seem to be more at peace. They don't fight, and seem to be more happy. Living life in the present moment, knowing it's the only time you truly have is the world our children live in. They don't know any different. As parents, when we join them, we acknowledge who they are and where they're at in that moment. The result is amazing. Such an experience creates a true connection, a wonderful way to be. Since a relationship is the history of interactions with a person, the more of these true connections, the better.