It's off to parent-teacher conference today, just like thousands of other Tulsa parents.
As a kid, I dreaded these because of the unknown.
It drove me crazy not knowing what teachers were telling my parents. I was sure it was all bad.
It wasn't.
Though, a chemistry teacher once said I was "confused on tests a lot."
Could not argue with that point.
As a parent, it's so much more nerve wracking.
My children are still in elementary, and I see their teachers everyday as I walk them into their classrooms.
Even with that, there is still a part of me worrying about missing something in their academic or social lives.
Some pockets of the city struggle getting parents to attend these once-a-semester conferences, which is indicative of the societal issues teachers face.
For engaged parents who do attend, just showing up isn't enough.
The best tips on parent-teacher conference preparation comes from
BabyCenter.com .
The most practical piece of advice is to take a pad and pen.
Maybe it's the reporter in me, but taking notes is so helpful to remembering details later and staying focused.
Also, listen to what teachers have to say with an open mind.
It's hard. I know.
But, as parents we see a side of our children that will be different from what teachers see.
In the end, they want our kids to be successful too.
While I'm anxious sometimes about what I might hear, I'm also grateful for their time and thoughts.
