Are there any “just average” kids anymore?

[Anonymous]

It seems like every other kid (at least according to DCUM) is either gifted, has a learning disability/IEP, behavioral disorder or some combo of all. Arethere any just normal, regular kids anymore? I am afraid my polite, not too rambunctious, average intelligent kid is going to get ignored in public school. APS if it matters. How can I help her not just blend in and get ignored? She’s not a “squeaky wheel”.

[Anonymous]

My kids are super average and I am content with them blending in.

[Anonymous]

Most of the time people post here because there's a problem. If you kid is average, moving along just fine with no particular issues to be addressed, what do you have to post about here?

[Anonymous]

Are her needs not being met, or is she just not being singled out for some variety of special treatment (which I don't mean in the pejorative sense, I would include things like special education and gifted services in that category)? The former is a problem, but the latter isn't.

[Anonymous]

Try being a teacher and being told by admin that you have to individualize education for all this nonsense.

[Anonymous]

To 14:29
So what do you do for the kids that don’t need some special plan? Do they get a generic worksheet while you dea with Larli/Larla?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Most of the time people post here because there's a problem. If you kid is average, moving along just fine with no particular issues to be addressed, what do you have to post about here?

+ 1

[Anonymous]

I have 3 kids. They are all pretty average. As in, they each have their own talents but none of them has the "total package" that everyone likes to brag about. One is a state champion wrestler and accomplished football player but pretty average grades and SATs. One aced the SAT but grades are not spectacular and he's a good athlete but not great. The other 1 also has her mix of "greatness" and average abilities. I am fine with this. None of my kids suffer from anxiety and all seem to take success and failure in stride for the most part. It often does seem that so many kids are unbelievably accomplished but I think part if it is those are the kids you hear about; the ones that win awards and get recognition. I think it is Ok to be "average" as long as you are doing your best and are a good person. I think most people are average, even many here on DCUM. Just my 2 cents.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have 3 kids. They are all pretty average. As in, they each have their own talents but none of them has the "total package" that everyone likes to brag about. One is a state champion wrestler and accomplished football player but pretty average grades and SATs. One aced the SAT but grades are not spectacular and he's a good athlete but not great. The other 1 also has her mix of "greatness" and average abilities. I am fine with this. None of my kids suffer from anxiety and all seem to take success and failure in stride for the most part. It often does seem that so many kids are unbelievably accomplished but I think part if it is those are the kids you hear about; the ones that win awards and get recognition. I think it is Ok to be "average" as long as you are doing your best and are a good person. I think most people are average, even many here on DCUM. Just my 2 cents.

A state champion wrestler is not average. Just sayin.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:To 14:29
So what do you do for the kids that don’t need some special plan? Do they get a generic worksheet while you dea with Larli/Larla?

Just because we’re told to do it certainly doesn’t mean we do. An IEP/504 is a different situation, but otherwise here’s my show for today, participate as you may.

[Anonymous]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Wobegon

had to post it of course...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have 3 kids. They are all pretty average. As in, they each have their own talents but none of them has the "total package" that everyone likes to brag about. One is a state champion wrestler and accomplished football player but pretty average grades and SATs. One aced the SAT but grades are not spectacular and he's a good athlete but not great. The other 1 also has her mix of "greatness" and average abilities. I am fine with this. None of my kids suffer from anxiety and all seem to take success and failure in stride for the most part. It often does seem that so many kids are unbelievably accomplished but I think part if it is those are the kids you hear about; the ones that win awards and get recognition. I think it is Ok to be "average" as long as you are doing your best and are a good person. I think most people are average, even many here on DCUM. Just my 2 cents.

Can we start a forum for parents of average kids? Seriously! It would be such a welcome change to hear about other kids under-performing or just not being the perfect poster child for APS; even better to have more (real-life example) reminders that there are indeed parents who genuinely understand and accept that it's ok their kids don't have straight A's pre K - post grad with 5 AP classes a year in high school and countless extracurriculars and self-initiatied community service projects.

[Anonymous]

Schools are made for average kids so there's that.

[Anonymous]

I have one and I’m perfectly content with his progress in FCPS. He’s also average in sports. Overall he is a well rounded happy kid.

[Anonymous]

Answer: be grateful