Social media sure has a way of taking you back!
Apparently, three years ago I posted about my daughter’s anxiety as she was preparing to enter SECOND grade. My poor child was worried she would not understand the material. WHYYYYY??? It has gotten better since, but man oh man, we need to ensure our kids understand what is truly important. Sure, having a high ranking college or university accept you into their school due to high academics is great. But if they choose not to accept you, you are still worthy and you are not a failure academically or personally. I need more parents and educators to get and enforce that at an early age!
In this house, it isn’t about the grade. It’s about effort! If you put your best foot forward and didn’t get the letter grade outcome to show for it…Ok. Let’s take the necessary time outside of the classroom to truly “test” your knowledge. So much is learned OUTSIDE of the classroom and children get a lot of anxiety just trying to make the grade. Not here! I use the “grades” to show me where my child needs more support so that she can still thrive and not feel stunted in her learning. Lose the battle, but win the war!
Three years later, clearly my little stress ball got it and had nothing to be worried about. She even made Gifted Education in Math starting her 4th grade year. Mamma is PROUD! At the same time, though, I told her, “The second math is no longer fun I am pulling you out!” You see, I am not setting my kid up to be discouraged. That makes room for self-doubt in her abilities. Again…NOT HERE!
I cannot wait to see it, though…both girls will go on to do extraordinary things no matter the grade!
