Here’s an odd thing, I am not psychic. No, really, I’m not. I cannot see into the future and predict what is going to happen, at least not beyond the normal. I can make small predictions, I know that if I eat all the ice-cream tonight I am really going to regret it tomorrow – because I will have no more ice-cream. I use that merely as an example, the sad fact is, I don’t have any ice-cream now and it wasn’t bothering me in the slightest until I began to think about this analogy and now I have a small craving. I have no idea what is going to happen tomorrow, I can look back at other Fridays, add in my plans for this one and make an educated guess but I cannot know for sure.
I didn’t know, for instance, when I left work today on a very dark October early afternoon that my daughter’s school would have been trying to be in touch to let me know that she had an upset stomach. I could guess from previous conversations with my daughter’s teacher that she would be somewhat less than friendly passing on this message.
My daughter’s teacher and I seem to be at an impasse. I hear from her tone that the teacher feels frustrated when my daughter is in school and appears to be ill. Who sends a sick child to school? I am frustrated because each morning my daughter wakes happily, allows me to get her ready for school, shows no sign of illness, no sign of reluctance either, and heads off in her school bus with a cheery, “bye, bye”. I admit I am also frustrated that the teacher refuses to accept that this is the case.
So on we rumble again, much like a few weeks ago. This morning I didn’t foresee my child being unwell, neither did I foresee that she would not be in school this Friday. Tonight I know she will be home. My prediction for tomorrow, hopefully a happy, well child enjoying an unexpectedly long weekend at home with Mum.
Further ahead than that? At this stage I really do not know beyond that I now no longer feel confident that when I send my child to school in the morning that she will stay there for the full day. So I must think, would it be better to keep her home? Could I homeschool a 14 year old severely learning impaired child with a Statement of Special Educational Needs? It’s not what I want to do but at least I would know that her teacher understands her and her needs.
© 2012, Penbleth / L. McG.-E.. All rights reserved.
Becs - What a difficult situation you are in. I’m afraid I have no words of advice but I am sending you a cyber hug and a prayer that things get a little easier. Have a good and restorative weekend (and go and buy some ice-cream!).
michelle gd - such challenges we face as parents…
in the end, you must trust that, in your heart, you know what is best for your daughter.
hugs to you (and as becs said above, maybe go get that ice cream,)
{if you ever want a supportive homeschoolong ear, shoot me an email}
gina - So sad that you feel this tension with the teacher, have you tried having a sit down face to face conversation with her? Perhaps discussing exactly when and under what circumstances your daughter starts feeling ill will help you get to the bottom of this problem. Could a third party facilitate?
As a former teacher, I’m always looking for solutions — good luck! Wishing you a relaxing weekend!
Penbleth - Thanks Gina, we will be having a meeting soon, we need to get this situation sorted.
Thoughtful Friday » A Life Not Quite Perplexed - [...] she napped, I thought. Just what is the best way forward after yesterday’s ‘phone call from school? It seems clear that this is likely to be an ongoing issue. If you [...]