How we view our own kids

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Not to derail the thread, but it certainly wouldn’t be unheard of for a child to really have a chronic illness, but fake symptoms flairing up once in a while in order to get out of something. I can’t tell you how many mid-quiz-asthma-attacks I’ve witnessed. Sometimes, they do it just because they want someone to notice them and tell them it’s going to be alright and everything is under control. (Especially little kids.)
Would you also say the symptoms were faked if they were described in detail as the side effects of 4 different medications, documented as occurring by his previous teachers for the past 7 years in each of his IEPs, measured in no less than 46 EEGs and part of the diagnostic write up by neurologist at three different hospitals.
 
A part of my job is hearing complaints from parents about the things their children report have happened at school. My standard is to listen carefully and then check with anyone who could possibly shed some light on the alleged incident - these are first graders I’m dealing with after all. Then I report back to the teacher.

A month or so back a mother reported something her son said our PE teacher had said to him. Now on the whole our students ‘worship the ground’ our PE teachers walk on, but… Well I asked staff and could only conclude that the little fellow had made the story up. At the end of the day the mom came back to me, as I had asked her to, and I told her that the incident absolutely had not happened at all, and that in addition the teacher concerned does not speak the language the child said he had used. I prepared myself for some version of ‘are you calling my son a liar?’ while mom talked in their home language to her son. After a brief conversation with her son, the mom asked to see the PE teacher :mad: ooohhh, this is turning ugly, I thought…but her next words floored me, “I know my son doesn’t always tell the truth and I want him to apologise to the teacher.” - Well, I fetched the teacher in a big hurry and he gladly came along.

The mom then said she doubted the truth of the tale when her son told it when he got home from school, but as he repeated the exact same tale on the way to school, she felt she owed it to him to check, just in case. Yay for a mommy prepared to defend her child, but also to call him on bad behaviour.
 
I don’t know if it’s a mom thing because I’ve noticed that a lot more moms aren’t objective when it comes to their kids, but dads tend to be more realistic about their kids.
After more years as a teacher than I care to count, I disagree on this one. Moms may initially go into the protective mode when they feel their child is under attack, but when you present your reasons for a particular action they are more likely to listen and seriously consider what you’re saying.
Although I can only speak from my very small experience, but I tend to agree there. It does seem that the moms show more lack of objectivity in assessing their children…but I would hate to extrapolate based on my small sample size
Moms jump to defense before listening to all of what is being said, most times; however, if a dad does not agree with what you’re telling him, the chance of him listening to what you’re telling him is very small.

Mind you all of this is said in relation to classroom experience and educational issues.
 
Haha I am that parent!! I have said that numerous times about my youngest. But teachers all insist that she is well behaved, respectful and a joy to have in class. (still don’t believe 'em 😉 ) I think you are right that kids react differently in different environments and so if you only see a kid interacting in a particular environment, you may not get the whole picture.

Perhaps my SIL’s child is great at home, but just moody and sour at school and most family functions. It is possible
IME, it’s the opposite. Kids bring out their very worst behavior at home, where they can trust that they won’t be kicked out (at least that is what the shrinks all say!) and behave well in arenas where they may have unknown consequences.

Even when we were going through hell with our son at home, other people including his teachers and dean at school would tell us that he was pleasant and a pleasure to encounter! He sounded like a model citizen so we were confused and worried - why was he being such a pain at home??

But God knows, I only know my own children and those of a few friends and acquaintances - doesn’t make me an expert on child psychology!
 
It seems we live in a world where many parents can’t even be objective about their own behavior much of the time. If you can’t see your own faults and try to work on being the best version of yourself (…credit Matthew Kelly for that quote), then it’s going to be a bit of struggle observing and helping your children.

A wise priest taught me a quick prayer one day, “Lord, remove my character defects and grant me the humility to receive Your change”. If you can’t rattle off 3 or 4 things you should be working on, then I suspect you’re going to have blinders on about your children. Nor if you don’t have the discipline to work on yourself, then most likely your kids aren’t going to have it either.

Sadly, discipline has become an “bad” word in western culture.
 
IME, it’s the opposite. Kids bring out their very worst behavior at home, where they can trust that they won’t be kicked out (at least that is what the shrinks all say!) and behave well in arenas where they may have unknown consequences.

Even when we were going through hell with our son at home, other people including his teachers and dean at school would tell us that he was pleasant and a pleasure to encounter! He sounded like a model citizen so we were confused and worried - why was he being such a pain at home??

But God knows, I only know my own children and those of a few friends and acquaintances - doesn’t make me an expert on child psychology!
I dunno about that.

-my oldest brother was whiny…at school it was directed more towards work at home it was directed more towards my parents, but very consistent
-I was very absent-minded, at school this was manifest with my friendship dramas, at home with chores
-my middle brother was REALLY good for my parents, he knew he couldn’t act up in front of them. He was a hellion in school but well behaved at home…the lack of boundaries at school caused it
-my youngest bro was the more traditional “bad at home”, gem to teachers…mostly willful ignoring our existence, while being very pleasing to his teachers.

It all depends…some kids are bad in public, but good in home…
 
There’s definitely a difference in parenting techniques or awareness going on… at least in my experience.
I know of several parents within our “circle of life” (daycare, school, parish, etc) that are always making excuses for their children’s behavior…
“he’s tired”
“she acts out when she’s around others”
“he’s just uncomfortable or shy”

In my view/opinion - I see those children hearing those words and learning that they are valid excuses for bad behavior.
I simply do not tolerate bad behavior! Not that my kids don’t get tired, or act out, or get shy or uncomfortable - quite the contrary, of course they do! But my words are meaningful.
“Son, there is no excuse for being rude. You may be tired/shy/nervous, but I still need you to use manners and behave.”

So to me - it’s not so much the behavior itself (all kids can be “good” or “bad” at various times), but it’s how the parents are reacting to those moments. Are they making excuses or correcting the behavior? THAT’S what makes a difference - is the parent addressing the problem or enabling it?
 
Sadly, I think it’s a reflection of modern society. A lot of people are selfish and don’t want to see anything wrong with their kid because they think it will reflect badly on them.

.
Bingo! No one wants to feel like a failure as a parent
 
Kids are human beings and they show different sides to different adults. There are tons of parents who can’t bring themselves to believe that their child would ever lie to them, despite the fact that the crime was caught on video and reproduced to the parent several times. On the other hand, I see plenty of parents that when I tell them their kid is doing well and is a pleasure to have in class they roll their eyes and give me a “just you wait” look. It’s also not uncommon for different teachers to have different impression of kids as well. Our impressions are formed based on what we observe and kid’s behavior is formed based on how they react to what is going on around them. Obviously, not all adults are going to form the same impression.
funny you say that b/c when my dd’s teacher told us what a dream she is and how smart and creative she is, I said, “At home, she talks back all the time.”

The teacher and I both laughed it off and I went home and told dd how proud I was of her and told her what her teacher said.

Funny how we do that!
 
👍
I believe this is huge!!! I read an article recently…I will try and find it…about how “grit” is important indicator of success. People who look at their failures, recognize them for what they are, and learn from them. and move on…those are key ingredients to greatness! If are kids never think they fail, they can never learn how to get better.
👍

sometimes you gotta point out a failure and then teach them to get back up and try again.
 
Haha I am that parent!! I have said that numerous times about my youngest. But teachers all insist that she is well behaved, respectful and a joy to have in class. (still don’t believe 'em 😉 ) I think you are right that kids react differently in different environments and so if you only see a kid interacting in a particular environment, you may not get the whole picture.

Perhaps my SIL’s child is great at home, but just moody and sour at school and most family functions. It is possible
I have one dad that absolutely refuses to believe that his children are gifted. It’s quite bizarre in my opinion. He has two boys and a girl and the older two are both gifted with intelligence and creativity. Dad won’t hear it though. He argues that our school has very low standards if we think his kids are exceptional. He rolls his eyes when I describe his oldest son’s accomplishments in music class. Sometime I wish I could show the man the other students’ report cards because he’s convinced that music class is an “easy A” and everyone gets all perfect marks in music class. Now he’s mad at me though. (He hasn’t said so in person but I’ve heard about through the grapevine.) His youngest is in kindergarten and while he is very sweet and well-behaved, he’s quite average in his musical skills. His dad thinks I don’t like him and am picking on him, since he doesn’t get the obligatory perfect marks that his older siblings get.
 
what’s up??? 🤷
That’s the most charitable response I could muster up to a post on a Catholic message board where someone is proclaiming that they know their wife’s sister’s kid is “rude, snotty and in general an unpleasant person” and that they know this better than the child’s own mother who would disagree. All the while proclaiming that they are objective when it comes to how they perceive their own children…

Often I have witnessed people having a personal bias against others, especially children, that reflects how they view a person. I can’t imagine someone like JPII, any saint or Jesus calling a child such things :(. Especially a child that you don’t even live with to know so personally.
 
Would you also say the symptoms were faked if they were described in detail as the side effects of 4 different medications, documented as occurring by his previous teachers for the past 7 years in each of his IEPs, measured in no less than 46 EEGs and part of the diagnostic write up by neurologist at three different hospitals.
If I suspected that a student was taking advantage of his diagnosis at times when the symptoms weren’t actually bothing him, I would try to find a way to encourage him to do what I wanted him to do without arguing him. For example, “Oh…you need to see the nurse right now? That’s too bad. I was hoping you could play the (insert kids favorite instrument) on the next turn.” Was the teacher in question arguing that your son did not really suffer from epilepsy, or was she claiming that he was taking advantage by exagerating the symptoms he was experiencing at times? In my opinion, rather than arguing about whether the symptoms are “that bad” at any given time, it would be a better use of time to try and figure out how to engage the student better. Keep in mind that alot of the time, students don’t even realize that their broken arm only seems to be excrutiatingly painful during a math lesson and never during their favorite story. It’s not generally done intentionally. When they are bored or unengaged, their mind has more energy to focus on their discomfort and they suddenly remember that they have a sore throat, foot, papercut, mosquito bite, etc.
 
Although I can only speak from my very small experience, but I tend to agree there. It does seem that the moms show more lack of objectivity in assessing their children…but I would hate to extrapolate based on my small sample size
That’s why I said, I don’t know. 👍

As a mom, I’m friends w/other moms who are strict w/their kids too. We always can come up w/stories about what some other mom let their kid do while we were out and about. Still, that doesn’t mean that I can scientifically prove anything.

It is what is it.
 
IME, it’s the opposite. Kids bring out their very worst behavior at home, where they can trust that they won’t be kicked out (at least that is what the shrinks all say!) and behave well in arenas where they may have unknown consequences.

Even when we were going through hell with our son at home, other people including his teachers and dean at school would tell us that he was pleasant and a pleasure to encounter! He sounded like a model citizen so we were confused and worried - why was he being such a pain at home??

But God knows, I only know my own children and those of a few friends and acquaintances - doesn’t make me an expert on child psychology!
Actually, that door swings both ways pretty evenly. There are lots of kids who are percieved to be better behaved at home, due to the simple fact that there is signifigantly less expected of them at home. What do most six year old have to do at home? Make their bed? Pick up their toys? Be quieter when mom is on the phone? Beyond that, they’re usually free to do whatever they like as long as they aren’t bothering anyone else. Compare that to a first grade classroom where kids are expected to remain seated and focus on a specific task until it is done. (Whether they want to do it or not.) Once it is done, they are given another task. Lots of kids struggle with this sort of environment and act out in frustration.
 
where someone is proclaiming that they know their wife’s sister’s kid is “rude, snotty and in general an unpleasant person” and that they know this better than the child’s own mother who would disagree.
So what I hear you say is that you don’t believe that mothers can be oblivious to how their children act and behave? … That a child’s own mother is unlikely to deceive herself to some degree as to the true nature of their child? That is a perfectly valid opinion. It does seem that you are in the minority here as others have expressed the opinion that parents often blindly defend their children or seem to ignore the reality of their children’s behavior.
All the while proclaiming that they are objective when it comes to how they perceive their own children…
I will assume that you didn’t read my post, so I will go ahead and quote directly from it so that there is no confusion here.

"I* have to wonder, do I have this same lack of objectivity with my kids? I honestly do not believe so. I think I have a realistic view of their talents and behaviors. In fact, if I am biased, I think I am overly critical…at least that is the feedback I get from our friends. But I have to wonder…* "

You see, I clearly call into question whether or not I do see my children objectively…even though I feel that I do. No grand proclamation of my certain objectivity here. If you had read the original post, perhaps there wouldn’t be such confusion.
Often I have witnessed people having a personal bias against others, especially children, that reflects how they view a person.
While I completely agree, that having a personal bias can affect how we view someone; I fail to see how that is relevent here. Are you suggesting that I have a personal bias against children and so that is influencing my perception? Honestly, I cannot possibly believe you have any basis for making such a claim and I find it quite uncharitable. Perhpas I misunderstand your point. Can you clarify–to what personal bias are you referring and what in my op would lead you to that conclusion?

To be certain, it is the behavior of this child over the course of years that leads me to the conclusion that she is rude, snotty and generally unpleasant.
I can’t imagine someone like JPII, any saint or Jesus calling a child such things
Well, I don’t imagine they would either; and I am certain to fall short of that standard. But I would think if you judge me by that standard, then perhaps you should be measured by the same? Would someone like JPII, any saint, or Jesus make the uncharitable assumptions you have and taken your general sour tone?
That’s the most charitable response I could muster
My mama used to say…if you don’t have anything nice to say…
 
I have one dad that absolutely refuses to believe that his children are gifted. It’s quite bizarre in my opinion. He has two boys and a girl and the older two are both gifted with intelligence and creativity. Dad won’t hear it though. He argues that our school has very low standards if we think his kids are exceptional. He rolls his eyes when I describe his oldest son’s accomplishments in music class. Sometime I wish I could show the man the other students’ report cards because he’s convinced that music class is an “easy A” and everyone gets all perfect marks in music class.
Wow… again I can relate to this. 😊 I have been blessed with kids that are relatively academically successful. With one small exception, they cruise through with As without breaking a sweat. Like the dad you talked about, I don’t believe this is any big deal…I often tell my wife that everyone makes As in gradeshool and middle school (partly b/c I coasted through as well) and that it isn’t that big of a deal. She assures me this not the case and that they really are sharp.
His youngest is in kindergarten and while he is very sweet and well-behaved, he’s quite average in his musical skills. His dad thinks I don’t like him and am picking on him, since he doesn’t get the obligatory perfect marks that his older siblings get.
ouch.

My youngest will be the one to not make A’s all the way through. I hope I don’t blame the teachers!
 
There’s definitely a difference in parenting techniques or awareness going on… at least in my experience.
I know of several parents within our “circle of life” (daycare, school, parish, etc) that are always making excuses for their children’s behavior…
“he’s tired”
“she acts out when she’s around others”
“he’s just uncomfortable or shy”

In my view/opinion - I see those children hearing those words and learning that they are valid excuses for bad behavior.
I simply do not tolerate bad behavior! Not that my kids don’t get tired, or act out, or get shy or uncomfortable - quite the contrary, of course they do! But my words are meaningful.
“Son, there is no excuse for being rude. You may be tired/shy/nervous, but I still need you to use manners and behave.”

So to me - it’s not so much the behavior itself (all kids can be “good” or “bad” at various times), but it’s how the parents are reacting to those moments. Are they making excuses or correcting the behavior? THAT’S what makes a difference - is the parent addressing the problem or enabling it?
Those parents don’t need to offer any explanation for their kids’ behavior, but for some reason must feel like they do.

In any event they sound like legitimate reasons for bad behavior, not necessarily excuses. Maybe they are saving the correction for a private time and place. I know I don’t make a habit of correcting my children in front of others.
 
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