I was chatting with a friend the other day and we got around to a subject that really pulled on the heartstrings for both of us - our kids feeling like they are"stupid" because of grades and class changes at school.
My friend (E) is actually a teacher (but has been on leave for a while looking after the kids). She knows how to help her kids understand school concepts. And they all (3) are quite bright when you are chatting with them.
So, when E shared her story with her I was very surprised.
Here's what happened...
E's kids went back to school after the holidays and then one of her boys came home very upset because he had been moved out of one English class and into another.
No big deal, right?
Wrong!
For this young man (7), it made him feel embarrassed and stupid. In fact, E told me with tears in her eyes that he had confided in her about how he felt he must be really bad because he had been placed in this particular class.
To make things worse, E said he had actually just been starting to gain his confidence and make steady progress and now she was worried that this might set him right back.
Now...
There are a couple of great things that can come from this experience for E and her sweet boy...
- It gave E a chance to deepen her connection with her son because of the open and honest communication they practiced while chatting (from what E shared with me, she managed to share some good messages for reassurance and support).
- It provides E's son with the opportunity to develop and strengthen his resilience (I know he will bounce back with the right support and encouragement from his mum and dad... and hopefully his school).
(While this next part might seem like it's all about me, it isn't).
I must admit it felt good to be a part of E's support group because I could tell she needed the reassurance (plus a few ideas on what else she could do) about what she was doing as a parent. And the real point is that as parents it is crucial that we put the right support network around us.
You see...
Our support network should include people who want to lift us up and help us to move forward. So, if you don't feel like the people around you are doing that, feel free to reach out to us because that is exactly what we want to create - a community of positive parents who help empower each other and our families. You can even join us on Facebook if that is an easier first step and just start interacting with us there.
What ever you choose to do, we hope you have at least one person in your life that's "got your back."
May you have an On Track day!
Warm regards, Monique Everton Loving mum and wife, caring friend and registered nurse On Track Parenting
P.S. You may also like to check out our courses at www.ontrackparenting.net/courses because Brad has out together some great training videos around managing emotions, ways to bounce back quicker, how to take care of yourself (and teach your kids to do the same), and much more... just though it might help if you do ever feel these types of heartache (I know E's story hits very close to home for me). |
