Thursday, January 31, 2008

Big Boys Do Cry

Baxter, snuggled next to me in bed: "Mommy, there is one thing [The Teacher] is wrong about."

Me: "What's that, honey?"

Baxter: "She says second graders don't cry anymore. But everyone cries. Even grown-ups."

*****

In the end, no matter how whacked The Teacher is, our lessons seem to be overriding hers. And for that I'll count my blessings today.

7 comments:

Drama Mama said...

YES. Yes.

We have one of those teachers too. And to my daughter's credit? She is still amazing and special and happy IN SPITE of the teacher's BS.

So sad that they have to endure crummy teachers, but so inspiring that they rise above.

And yes. Everyone is allowed to cry. How wise.

Anonymous said...

i'm just here to echo DM's YES!!!! we ALL cry! it's good for the soul!!!!

Jordan said...

Thanks, wise ones.

I want to be clear on something when I am complaining about The Teacher...

I don't expect all of my kids' teachers to abide by my life philosophy. I mean, if I did, I'd be home schooling. I think it's really, really important for kids to learn from different people and in the end, since our philosophy seems to be coming across loud and clear, it actually gives Baxter a chance to solidify his own beliefs. Builds character, if you will. In life they're going to run into people who disagree with them and it's important that they learn what to do about that, starting with a whispered conversation with Mommy while snuggled and safe in bed to make sure that what they believe is okay.

And I am so grateful that The Teacher is actually a very good teacher in terms of fostering a love of learning and curiosity and making sure the kids aren't afraid to ask questions anytime. Baxter is learning a lot from her. It's strange to me that, in light of those things, she'd still say "Second graders don't cry". I'm sorry that she feels that way, but proud that my 7-year old has the more evolved emotional intelligence of the pair, I guess.

Niksmom said...

Maybe that'e her way of trying to prevent disruptions (for lack of a better choice of words) that she might not feel up to handling? No matter, I'm glad Baxter is so mature...and self-aware, too!

Elise said...

I'm glad to hear that Baxter is getting SOME good stuff from his teacher, but lordy - from the stuff you report, that woman is a NUT. Who the hell tells second-graders they "don't cry"?!? That would make me want to tear my hair out.

Lori at Spinning Yellow said...

Are you kidding me? She IS a NUT! I agree with your comment, Jordan, about learning things from people and all, but I am still floored by the things this teacher has said/done.

Scott came home from school the other day and said that they were being extra nice to one of the girls b/c "she is having a hard time right now". I asked him a few questions and he said she was crying a lot and well, he didn't know, but that's what the teacher said they should do. I have my issues with his teacher (who is strange but not as odd as Baxter's teacher), but I was impressed that she was showing them to be caring.

We all have bad days/weeks and it would be good if our teachers helped our kids to understand that, for themselves and for others.

Good thing Baxter has such wise parents to override some of her nonsense.

EJ Willingham said...

That teacher sounds like an idiot, curiosity fostering or not.

My "Word verification" word here today is "arhiud," which strikes me as vaguely Celtic somehow. But at least I can read it.