The PTM

The PTM: Parent Teacher Meeting. It's that day which is looked forward to and dreaded the most by most mums. While you walk up those stairs to his school, in your head you have already defended your child in front of his teacher several times. Already gone home and tried to make a schedule to teach him what his teacher would say he is weak in. Already promised yourself you would sit with him every afternoon and practice coloring. That's the only thing he is bad in right? And then you walk in and take your seat with a whole lot of other mums who are as scared and worried as you are. Misery loves company and you are a little relaxed. After all you are not alone.

The teacher enters and gives feedback in general to all the mums. Some kids, she says are aggressive. Is it mine you ask yourself.... Nah. Can't be. Your child is the most well behaved and well mannered one. Didn't he actually say "Hello Aunty" to the neighbor the other day. Some kids are very messy eaters the teacher says. Not mine my head says. Mine loves to eat finger foods. Drops a little here and there but that's not being a messy eater. Give yourself full marks for teaching him table manners. Some kids don't follow instructions the teacher remarks. Hmmmm.... mine? Now panic strikes.. well it can't be mine. He listens when you ask him to keep the bottle of water away... He dropped it right down the last time.. He's a kid. He didn't know keep away doesn't mean drop it. It's the same for a two and a half year old.

Now let's do a one on one with parents says the teacher. Okay this is it. You ask... Is my son doing alright? She smiles and says... Very good. He is doing very good except for the "Remembering Mumma" syndrome sometimes followed by a few tears.. he's doing very good. He knows his colors and shapes, she smiles. Pat pat pat on the back. He knows his colors... AND shapes. 

You can leave now she says.You walk out. Feeling like you've got an A+ in your SATs.

That is being a mother.