Parent's Evening

We had Parent's Evening the other night.


I took cakes for the Teachers that we were going to see (and for a couple of our favourite teachers too) as I always think they must be starving sitting there talking to all their student's parents, when normally they are eating their evening meal and marking books or creating future lesson plans. Some of my Teacher friends have said this is something they wish more parents would do, but I think that's because they're trying to get more cake. Would you ever take a snack for a Teacher?

Anyway. I sat there listening to the Teachers, making notes in my notebook of things that they said, things they wanted the children to focus on, areas that they have improved in, areas they naturally excel at, things that are coming up that I want to be prepared for... just like a pushy parent. I don't think of myself as a pushy parent. My friends all think I'm crazy, but I know that I could have done so much more if I hadn't of realised that I was clever enough to get away with doing the bare minimum at School. If I had studied harder, if I had applied myself more then who knows what I would have done in life? Don't get me wrong, I love my life, but I want to make sure that my children can do anything they want. Isn't that what we all want for our Children?

The praise and advice given to both Top Ender and Big Boy was perfect, their teachers really know them and I can see quite clearly how much they love them and want them to do well, two qualities in Teachers which always make me feel the choice in Schooling that we've made is right. As I expected, they are both good kids. They are able to hold themselves, they know what their own strengths and weaknesses are and to be perfectly honest they have done me proud.

There are of course areas that they could improve in, and as you probably all know I'm the sort of girl who encourages her children to learn at home as well as in School. I was lucky that both Teachers gave me practical advice on how I can help Top Ender and Big Boy to progress more, and so there are going to be a few changes to our routines at home, small things but things which I think will help them realise their full potential.

What happens on your Parents Evenings? Are you a "pushy" parent like me or do you take a more relaxed approach? I'm interested to know and I'd also like a different phrase to use than Pushy Parent what sounds better to you?