I Want To Raise The Nice Kid
My second son was in 2nd grade during the heart of Covid.
He was a remote learner. His classes were conducted via zoom.
It didn’t go well for him.
He struggled to sit and pay attention to a screen.
At the end of second grade we learned that his reading and math scores were way below grade average.
I was devastated.
Talk about feeling like a failure as a parent.
Administration said…‘don’t worry about it. All of the kids are behind.’
I worried anyway.
For third grade we sent him to a smaller parochial school.
I held my breath as I sat across from his teacher at his fall conference.
She told me about his reading. And his math. She showed me handwriting samples and test scores and art projects.
And then she said…
‘Kate, your son is one of the nicest kids I have ever met.’
‘He watches,’ she said. ‘He watches for his peers who need friends. Or who have no one to play with.’
‘He seeks kids out who have differences.’
I broke down crying.
Truly. The tears fell from my eyes.
‘Don’t worry about the reading and math. It will come. Sawyer has already learned something that most kids take years to learn. Or never learn. He is accepting.’
That conference changed me as a mom.
I want to raise the nice kid. The kind kid. The kid who helps. The kid who accepts. The kid who sees.
Finding Cooper’s Voice is a safe, humorous, caring and honest place where you can celebrate the unique challenges of parenting a special needs child. Because you’re never alone in the struggles you face. And once you find your people, your allies, your village….all the challenges and struggles will seem just a little bit easier. Welcome to our journey. You can also follow us on Facebook.
