Comments on: Parent Teacher Interviews

By: lightening

lightening — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 03:20:22 +0000

Judy - it can be a strained relationship at times can’t it - that of parent and teacher. Which makes no sense because in reality we all want the same outcome - the best for our children. I’m a big advocate of parents and teachers working in partnership.

Sueblimely - thanks so much for sharing your experience and wisdom. It’s great to hear from someone who has been there, done that and seen benefits, particular of travel with children.

Dina - we have been pretty lucky with most of our children’s teachers.

Kez - yep, it’s all starting to feel more real now.

By: Kez

Kez — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 22:44:01 +0000

Wow, another step forward in your trip adventure! How excitement

By: Dina

Dina — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 22:08:08 +0000

It sounds like your kids are doing very well in school! It also sounds like they have pretty decent teachers.

I think it’s awesome that they’ve been supportive of your trip. I’m so excited for you guys. I can’t wait to read about all your adventures.

By: Sueblimely

Sueblimely — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 21:36:08 +0000

Parent/teacher years are now over for us - after 22 years of them! Sounds as if your kids are all going really well!

As to being a bad parent for not pushing the school to push Leyton - no way. I have seen too many kids who have failed to adapt in later school life due to skipping grades because they were ahead or were put in advanced classes and felt too much pressure - my very clever but mixed up 19 year old step-daughter included.

Being with their aged peers is so important for socialization and matching maturity levels. As long as they are not bored because they really need and want to do more advanced stuff, I am all for broadening their knowledge and increasing their love of learning, rather than pushing them to get ahead in subjects, and this you can do at home.

It paid dividends with my children. Oldest two came out of Uni, with top results. Daughter chose to do joint degree in two Science subjects and Maths because of a love of meteorology which was developed at home, not at school. Son did 2 separate degrees at once (in Engineering and Commerce) They are both now pursuing their careers of choice, which suit them down to the ground.

As my older two were doing fine in academic subjects and my youngest child with a disability learned better by concrete experiences, I had no qualms about taking them out of school for travel, twice to go overseas,once for a whole term.

Each had a big scrapbook to journal their experiences, stick in photos, brochures, postcards and other bits and pieces they collected on the way and I only did the formal 3 R’s with my youngest who needed constant repetition. They benefited so much from their travels and continue to travel around the world whenever they are able.

By: Judy Armes

Judy Armes — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 15:09:10 +0000

Great post! Every parent goes through the process of parent-teacher conferences–and many are nervous or concerned. So, thanks for sharing your experience…and thanks for sharing your appreciation for your teachers. They don’t always get feedback or support.