As a parent, one of the events we look forward to is our kids being recognized for their accomplishments and hard work during the school year. Today was the 4th quarter ceremony for my 1st graders class, he received teachers award for Kindness.
Before I start I will say I am VERY PROUD of my son. He truly is a sweet and caring child. He always goes above and beyond to help others and treat everyone kindly. He more than deserves an award for his character and overall amazing personality!
Ok now on to the truth. A small part of me, even though I am very proud, sees and feels like receiving a teacher award for kindness is almost like receiving the miss congeniality award at a beauty pageant. You didn’t win or excel in areas of academics but everyone loves/likes you because you are so sweet and nice they had to give you something. Because you are well just you, so loved and great you deserve something right?
Does this make him any less deserving of his award or me any less proud? Not at all, in fact I am more than proud that my boys are actually good kids who care. This is a character trait that will last them a life time and will create a happy and loving environment for their future families.
The reality in life is some people are good at sports, others at art or playing music, some in school and then there are kids like mine. They are very smart with amazing imaginations but because of their learning disabilities the early years of school can be a painful struggle and reminder that their brain are different. They eventually will catch up and do more than well in school but at first it’s difficult. I’m not saying the kids earning school awards don’t work hard, I know they do and their parents should be also be proud. What I’m saying is my kids work just as hard, most the time harder and at never seem to be able to reach the goals or live up to levels of achievements as others kids do. Well not yet…
I am very proud of my boys and their amazing future will ultimately be their award. No better achievement in life then happiness and to be loved right?
So to my 1st grader… Congratulations! Mommy is so proud of you and definitely deserve your award and please don’t ever change!
