Warm welcomes

Our two oldest children are in elementary school. I like to think this is my forte because I have a degree in Elementary Education. In reality it is a double edged sword. I can be extremely critical of any teacher that my children have. It is awful. I am at my worst on the first day of school and open houses. The first day of school this year I was pleasantly suprised. I have this thing about being friendly and welcoming to the students and their family on these days. If, on the first day of school, you leave your door locked waiting for the bell to ring before you let the kids in, I completely seethe inside. Especially since where we live it is hot and almost 100 degrees.

This year my son's classroom door was open and his teacher warmly welcomed all the kids and parents. I almost cried tears of joy. My daughter's class was locked but her teacher was outside talking with the parents and students when they walked up to the door. Making sure to not only address my daughter but me and my other kids. I thanked her and my daughter all of a sudden felt at ease. It was the first time I went home on the first day of school without any trepidation. Kudo's to Mrs A. and Mrs E.

Open house is this week at the kiddos school. My daughter's was last night and it went great. The teacher was organized and professiona with a warm and inviting classroom. I for once didn't have a critical thought. No easy feat. Tonight is my son's open house. His is a little trickier because he is well advanced academically compared to his peers. Dh asked to come to the open house which means he is also concerned. Since it is an open house we will be able to get a feel for her classroom and her teaching style, and set up a possible time to meet up to talk about ds and our concerns. But for some reason I am nervous. I am hoping the critic will stay off my shoulder and I come away with warm and fuzzy thoughts.