Thursday, October 7, 2010

A Louder Voice?

Natalie got her first month report on how she’s doing in preschool.

A part of me figured they’d say that she had to work on sharing, because she’s not the best at sharing. Like, the other day I was brushing out her My Little Pony’s hair and thinking, “Actually, purple hair with glitter doesn’t look so bad..” when she snatched it from me.

So I did not expect to read that she needed to work on having a louder voice in class.

She needs to work on having a louder voice? Did I read that right?

I immediately flashed back to that morning.

“I DON’T WANT A POPTART!” screamed Natalie, her face bright red as she pushed aside the delicious pastry that I had lovingly warmed up in the toaster.

And then I thought back to the night before, when Natalie bonked Tommy over the head for daring to touch her stuffed pumpkin.

“NO BROTHER. THIS IS MINNNNNEEEEE!”

Louder voice?

Really?

On the plus side, at least she seems to have manners in the presence of others. It’s just me she feels the need to act up for.

Awesome.

40 comments:

  1. I think that is how it goes unfortunately! My cousins little girls are wonderful anf then she comes along and they start acting like terrors! It drives her nuts but we promise her that they behave when she isn't!

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  2. That's an A+ report card. When they leave the lousy behavior at home, it's a win-win! ;)

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  3. Give her 'till Christmas. Then you may see the report you're expecting. :)

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  4. Well, that was unexpected. Apparently, you've done a great job parenting!

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  5. That's how it works right? When their friends parents drop them off after a play date and say "Oh they were so well behaved! They have wonderful manners!" And you stare at your children wondering what aliens have invaded their little bodies and when yours would be back.

    My mom always said "Why do you behave for everyone but me?!"

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  6. best behaviour for school? give her time...

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  7. Even at one, Roxy is already so good for everyone but me. Even for her daddy. Wonder why they feel the need to be that way?!?

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  8. I think every child behaves better for others, but like my mother always said when i would complain about it, "Do you really want him to behave that way for other people" Good luck with the louder voice

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  9. At least she is well behaved in public. You know they are thinking, what an incredible mom she must have.

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  10. I'm sure in time she will learn to lower her voice. ;>)

    There is maybe counseling service at the school.....

    Its very hard on the young to adjust to drastic change from their norm. Actually traumatizing! Think about it. Who likes drastic change?

    A bit more love and affection, restraint and control from the parent usually cures all problems.

    Now that I'm old, way down the other side of the hill, I practice parenting skills with my Puppers. Wonders will never cease, I learned.

    But those are dogs; children are another breed entirely. Good luck there, girl!

    Your children are beautiful. I was taken by that little girl immediately; especially her "I don't Yike". She is absolutely a adorable with her looks.

    The older I get , the more precious babies are, I realize... I'm the new great grandmother, remember...of that little Bruiser or Whopperjaw fellow. Whew, I'm excited to meet him.

    An idea that might help: get her into some creative activities. Let her have a flowerbed, for instance. Maybe work with her on art projects. Sharing is important - it enables one to learn how to love.

    At Natalie's age, she is still the center of her universe ... its all
    "Me,Me,Me". By the time she is 6 or so, her little universe now will then include others. Very normal behavior. Use your skills and things will be fine.

    And I am so thrilled I'm over the hill! :>) :>)

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  11. Well, Stupid Me! I read the post again and see there is NO Problem at school; just for you. Great! Natalie's universe has already expanded!

    So just delete, pay no attention, no never mind to my other comments. Man, I must surely need medical help! I have CRS critically. The Tinman who has no brain. I'm so embarassed :>(

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  12. oooh sweet natalie!!!
    lol..
    at least she's got great manners ar school.. right?!?!?

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  13. Isn't that the truth? They're little devils spawns at home but angels everywhere else! At least my kids are totally like that...

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  14. That's always how it goes! But at least you have the peace of mind of knowing she's behaving out in the world ...

    When we went to Colin's parent-teacher conference, his classroom teacher told us he talks too much. Then we met with his art, p.e. and music teachers, who all told us that he doesn't say a word. Hmm.

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  15. Just wait til someone at school ticks her off....that's all I'm sayin'...8-)

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  16. Awww.. is she a shy shrinking violet in school?

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  17. It's shocking how different kids can be at school.

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  18. Isn't that the way it always works? You send them out in the world just terrified that they're going to act the way they always do at home. And then other people tell you they're such little angels. What??? I could go for a delicious, lovingly warmed toaster pastry about now.

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  19. i thought all kids only acted up for their moms! i have finally caught up reading your blogs...and can comment after i wiped away tears from laughing so hard...you are funny!! love reading about your day!!

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  20. I would love to get a report that Hayden needed to louder in school. Cause that would mean he was quiet. ;)

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  21. It will be interesting to see what happens when my niece gets in school. That kid never shuts up! But sometimes around grown ups she doesn't really know she suddenly gets all shy or whatever...who knows. Kids are actually little aliens you know.

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  22. They always said the same thing about my oldest..she needed to speak up and not be so shy. WTH? Im constantly telling her to quiet down!

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  23. sounds familiar. You have a street angel too.

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  24. I heard someone say something that kids act up most with their mom's because that's where they feel the most safe.

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  25. At least she is well behaved at school! I got comments like that all the time when I taught. I would go on about how quiet/well behaved/generous a child was and their parents would do double takes and makes sure I had the right name!

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  26. Always the way. But awesome is a good thing in this case.

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  27. Maybe she's just testing your hearing. Do you tend to ignore her at all? Just kidding!

    I always said that I'd rather my kids misbehave at home than at school!

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  28. maybe you should send a tape recording of her loudness to her teacher.

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  29. I like Phoenix's idea! At least you know she's not afraid to be herself in front of you. :D

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  30. When you send your kids out there without you and then you get good reports back that means you are doing your job well, Mom.

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  31. I'd say it's MOM FTW in this case :-) (I know, small comfort...)

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  32. Yeah, it always sounds like another kid they're secribing. Oh, it's that unconditional love thing, coming back around to bite us in our collective asses.

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  33. I was the exact same way when I was little. So loud at home, so quiet at school. I think I was too afraid to talk to other people. Mom's only scary when she's using your full name. (At least that's when we knew we were in trouble.)

    Good luck!

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  34. Isn't it funny how kids are different outside the home.

    LisaDay

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  35. That is funny. I don't think my 4-year-old has a volume other that screachingly (is that a word?) loud. Yet, he shuts up in the presence of others. Hmmmm .... I guess I should view it as he feels comfortable enough to express his "true voice" with his family.

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  36. Girl.....apparently your Natalie and my Maggie are one and the same. Screaming, screeching, dramatical at home, quiet as mice at school. WHAT? Shoot, half the time I can't get Maggie (my ridiculously talkative, well spoken child) to even respond to people when they ask her questions. I HATE that.
    BTW, totally must get me some pumpkin pie poptarts now. So glad you found them.

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  37. Julianne's teachers always say "she is so quiet, she barely talks" and I want to say "really, how can I teach her how to do that at home because I'm pretty sure she thinks she has a word quota for the day?"...so weird. Kids are different for other people. Boggles the mind.

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  38. My nephew is the same way! WE don't get it when the teacher sends a note that his not talking loud enough or saying the numbers 1-10 or something like that b/c that kids can talk and be loud! LOL

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