Conferences

I hate parent-teacher conferences.

Hate.

It’s not so bad to be the teacher at the conferences.  I sit across from parents and tell them great things about their child.  Occasionally I point out one or two areas that need improvement.  For example:

1.  Effort matters.  Their child needs to bring books, paper, and pencils to class  every day – ready to learn.

2.  It will get better.  Even though their child may feel discouraged about their writing/test score/fight with a group of friends…well, it doesn’t stay this way.  Writing will improve, tests scores go up, and friendships either repair or new ones are made.

Easy stuff, really.

Being a parent at a conference is a whole different experience.

This week Hugh and I met with our children’s teachers.  They are both amazing women and I am extremely grateful for their ability and heart for my kids.

But one of the teachers told us some hard things about our child.  Ten minutes into the conference I started crying and could not stop.

As soon as she told us some of her concerns, I wanted to run out the door screaming, get in my car, and drive to a mountain cabin for a few years.

I couldn’t leave because I had fourteen conferences for MY students in a few minutes.  I wiped my eyes, hugged the teacher, and clicked into “teacher” mode.

Sometimes I believe I’m really balancing parenting and working.  My children have everything they need, I am thriving in a job I love, and our family is doing great.

Other days (like the conference day) make me question everything.  Do I need more time at home?  Should I work less?  How much of my child’s struggles are a result of my work?

I’ve spent the last few days praying through my child’s conference.  Jesus has faithfully talked to me and lovingly showed me His direction for this situation.

It’s not a radical “stay-at-home-stop-teaching-start-cooking” plan.  But it is about setting boundaries with how much time I spend on school.  And it is about some practical steps for this child to become more engaged with people and Jesus.

I am grateful for my conference with my Savior.  When I start to lose perspective and want to run away, He meets with me and gives me instructions:

1.  Effort matters.

2.  It will get better.

Easy stuff, really.