+1. |
+1 I have a child who is a handful at times, but he is a real joy to work with. |
Is this your own child or a student? It only counts if someone else is giving the feedback a parent can't decide their own child is a joy to work with. |
OP here. Yes, the feedback is usually verbal, though what prompted this post was her "report card" from a swimming class. In that case I do think the teacher was wanting to say something nice after identifying that she can't yet move on to the next level, but I am sure you (and PPs) are right that she probably also meant it sincerely. You are absolutely right - my child does have anxiety. In the past she was extremely inhibited to the point of not participating. With therapy, she has come a long way. But I agree some of the "joy" is that she is still a bit inhibited at school/activities/therapy (so she saves her stubborness for home) and has a strong desire to please. I think the other part of the "joy" though is her natural curiosity and love of learning which we do see at home. |
No, they aren't saying it to everyone... but they also aren't saying it to just you. |
I think this is really sweet feedback and would take it. |
Your child is not the only one, but definitely not every student is getting that kind of feedback. Volunteer in a classroom and you'll learn very quickly. |
I have three children and one of them consistently, every year gets feedback that he is “a joy” and “so cheerful” and gets perfect behavior scores. The other two are very well-behaved but never get that kind of effusive feedback, so yes, assume the teachers are being honest and you have a great kid! |
I’m a teacher and we have conferences in groups (we are departmentalized). Some teachers repeat the same things to all the parents, some don’t. There’s not a ton to say, and our classes are really small, so we do know the kids. Certain things we aren’t allowed to discuss (medication, behavioral issues) and certain things parents would be confused by (the nitty gritty of our program, which is specialized). All parents like to hear teachers speak effusively about their child. |
Honestly, I give this feedback, as a teacher, when I do not know your child very well. Which to me, means that your child is not a problem but your child is also not super smart that they stand out and I can go off of that. They are just....there. They slide under the radar but not in a bad way. They tend to have a neutral personality. They are a joy...it is pretty generic and basic. |
Can’t they be both? Its not either or. |
Hey, no need to flame! It's totally understandable to feel proud when teachers and therapists praise your kid. Rest assured, they're not just saying it to everyone, each child has their own unique personality and strengths, and it sounds like your 5-year-old is genuinely a joy to work with. It's a testament to your parenting and the efforts you've put into supporting her development. Keep up the great work, and celebrate those moments of recognition |
Teacher here and I only say it if I mean it. |
I have one son who got this comment from so.many.teachers.
A few also pointed out to me that they did not say this to everybody. My son was not necessarily attentive or a good student. But he was very loving, kind and funny. Everytime there was a student struggling with friends they would ask him to be their "buddy". Actually, in K I asked the teacher if his all E's (exceptional) were real or was he just so nice she couldn't stand to give him a lower grade. She admitted he had problems reading. In middle school I had 1 teacher complain that he "joked around too much" and 2 other teachers found out and asked that I tell him to only stop in that 1 class because having my son joke around was the best part of their day. |
This is absolutely true. I always say something positive and I never lie to parents. I will say that for a handful of kids there isn't much to say. |