I went to a Parent-Teacher conference at the elementary school recently for my girls. As I approached Vanessa's 1st grade teacher, she shook my hand and invited me into the classroom. We had only met at Back-to-School night, which in fairness was just a quick hello among 20 other parents. As the teacher began speaking about Vanessa, I was having a hard time believing what she was saying about her progress in class as compared to what I was seeing at home. "Vanessa reads beautifully!" she says. I remark "Uh, that's odd. With us she has trouble - she takes a while to sound out new words or even makes them up." The teacher then started to tell me that Vanessa does great in her class with Math. Now I am like, this lady can't be serious. No one in our little family can do math - and I have seen the struggles firsthand. I sat there for another few minutes listening to her go on and on with praises for my daughter about her skills and grades. Finally - she says "Holly will do wonderful in 2nd grade." And there we have it. Yup. I knew something was off. I felt bad correcting her but what kind of mother would I be if I didn't, right? I gently said "Um. You know I am here for Vanessa, right?" She was so embarrassed and apologized profusely. She quickly started talking about my kid for real this time and the level of work was nowhere near Holly. At one point I stopped her mid-sentence and just said "So....can I hear about Holly again? Her progress sounded much better. I'd like to work with that kid instead." Oh poor Vanessa.....
Welp, she's got personality. And a cute bootie. And sometimes, both of those things can get you far.....
Welp, she's got personality. And a cute bootie. And sometimes, both of those things can get you far.....