Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Learning Environments Need a "party line"

Yup, squirt. I think one of the hardest decisions to make is when you're making progress -or- when you're not and it's time to cut bait!

P.S. to 'Neato: note that advocacy was the big-girl pants path, yet that's the one I didn't take! LOL!

Hmmm, ya' know, I think Dottie still has my big-girl pants, actually...

Definately! I have big guilt about leaving DD5 in her situation all year. My advocacy had some success, but not until school was almost over! It will be worth it if she is positively affected by it NEXT school year. But if no change, all that misery for naught.
Let's hope she has a better year in first grade!

Hi 'Neato,

I don't know if the acceptance we have encountered about my dd's whole grade skip has to do with the fact that she is in a HG school and everyone is sort of used to all the kids being different and at different levels.

I don't really have any patience for toxic people, however, so I feel that had I encountered some hostility from some of the parents I would just move on and not try to explain or justify my dd's skip. I had to convince myself as I am generally not completely sold on whole grade skips, but I don't believe I need to convince anyone else. I sort of have a thick skin that way.

What you did was brave, don't let anyone else take away from that.

SQUIRT!!!! YES YES YES!!! Exactly. I see a long road ahead and I've already dragged my feet too long wondering perhaps he's just above avg, they all even out by 3rd grade, maybe we'll get that great teacher next year.....

Suppport, support and more support!

You all are so great! Thanks for all the kind thoughts.
I'm very happy to know that many people have had a great experience from their respective communities......I think that goes a real long way in helping someone new to this advoacating stuff give it a try!
Yes, toxic people stink. Maybe it is I, CFK who is just too aware and sensitive to negativism. Want to trade? I'm glad your community and school support you! We are also receiving the warm fuzzies and help from school, YAY!!
Gratified, I so hope we will have the same experience that you had.
I think I will just go through the summer expecting that we will!
If not, I'll deal with it then.
So to summarize:
Perhaps the party line is that we really don't need one?

((tossing guilt feelings out the window))

Thanks friends!
Neato

LOL, 'Neato.

But I will say in all seriousness that for me at least, having a pat answer has been really helpful. It's easier to shrug if you aren't shocked and lost for words! A party line helped me personally to feel less like I needed one, if that makes sense: it left me less exposed, less insecure, feeling less likely to be surprised by a nasty comment that I wouldn't know how to handle.

I think of my pat answers as my security blankets. Ever since I've had them at the ready, I haven't needed to use them in my defense. To me, that means they're probably working!

I guess maybe I should just tell people how I really feel:

I'm just trying to do the best I can for my kids.

What about: "That's just what my child requires". It's true, but does it sound uppity?

I think you found it, Cathy. That and a shrug hits the nail on the head. And who can argue with that?

Good on ya'!

I like Cathy A's line. Kriston, it doesn't sound uppity (and I'd know being good at uppity) but it sounds aggressive and might bring out the Negative Nellie's ire. My favorite all-purpose line is "It's all about fit between the child, the teacher and the environment." I've been able to use it about my child, other friend's children -- especially the "it's never going to be right" contingent, and children that I have taught. It puts the conversation into a blame-free zone.