The Monday after Spring Break, I received a call from Emma’s elementary school speech therapist to discuss her progress. The poor girl struggles with her “R’s,” an unfortunate condition which I blame entirely on her older brother Seth, who also had significant “R” difficulties. Being 22 months apart, the two of them picked up each other’s habits (both good and bad).
But this story isn't about “R’s” -- it’s about a phone call.
Emma has been in speech at this school since we moved here last year, but I have only communicated with her teacher (Kristine) via email. I’ve never met her.
Kristine began by praising Emma (whom she knows fairly well after almost 2 years), telling me what a sweet, kind and remarkable girl she is. This gave me a warm fuzzy Mom feeling, but I assured her that Emma came that way -- we are incredibly lucky to have her in our family.
Kristine didn’t stop there. She went on to explain how, while listening to Emma detail her Spring Break in Florida and in particular our visit to Fort Barancas (which was a trip highlight for Emma), it struck Kristine how different Emma is than most of the kids she works with.
She said, “Most kids at this school would complain and whine unless they had all the bells and whistles [of a vacation], but Emma was so excited about simply visiting that Fort. She is very different – in a great way – from most of the kids at this school.”
Our conversation lasted for quite some time. Kristine asked questions about my parenting philosophy, what I did as a mom so my kids don’t feel entitled and spoiled, how I was raised, if we had religious beliefs that influenced our parenting.
(My answers and the details of our discussion are far too long for this post – I’ll write a follow-up soon. But just to be clear, it has very little to do with me personally and a whole lot to do with my wonderful upbringing and the fantastic and inspired resources the Mormon church provides for families.)
Kristine explained that she is a single mom and has worked hard to have her child attend a good school. But as she has come to understand the attitudes of absolute entitlement many of the kids in our area have, she sometimes questions her decision to move here.
“Whatever parenting book you’re reading,” Kristine stated emphatically, “I want it!!”
She also told me I should write a book about parenting (which almost made me laugh -- she’s clearly never heard me yell at my kids or seen me lock myself in the bathroom).
The conversation was unexpected and remarkable.
When I got off the phone, I cried the tears I had been holding back during the conversation. They were the good kind.
It’s both incredibly wonderful AND incredibly difficult to be a mom, so I will be forever grateful for that phone call. In fact, I’m counting on it to help get me through at least my next several rough mom patches.
I also decided that I should make it a point to tell other moms more often how awesome they are. There are lots of great kids out there, and I’m guessing they didn’t figure out how to be so amazing all on their own.
5 comments:
What a great thing to hear about your child!
What a great snapshot of how Emma is doing at school- and what a caring speech path. It's a rare day for a mom to know something about what happens at school from an adult perspective. (unless it's something bad).
And I agree, you've got some great parenting ideas... why not think about a book?
I think you should definitely think about a book. Hiding in the bathroom is a great coping skill, I employ it at times as well. Who hasn't yelled at their kids? They have 24 -7 to get us to our breaking point, which I think they intentionally try to do.
You are a great mom! What a treasure that is.
I always thought Emma and your kids generally were the sweetest in primary when I was chorister in there. Your kids do stand out in a good way. :D
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