May 24, 2013

That Last Day of School




It's official.

School is out for the summer! I'm am SO excited to have these little monkeys home with me!

And yes, I really am.

Of course, it will be interesting and perhaps difficult since I'll be pregnant and all.

But you know what?

Bring it.


Since today was the last (half) day, the school held an awards ceremony in which they passed out trophies and prizes to students who: achieved the highest scores in different subjects, were voted "nicest, kindest" by their classmates, kids who showed the most improvement, a teacher's choice award, etc.

My children got to stand up for the "faithful attendance" recognition for not missing more than two days of school, but that was it.

When it was over, I made a quick break of the door since Claira suddenly turned into a screaming banshee.

As I was heading for the door, I passed Savannah as her class was heading back to their room. She looked like she was on the verge of tears.

I knew exactly why she was upset.

Like anyone would be (but especially for her), she was bummed that she didn't receive an award.

I wish I had had a moment to talk to her, but since she was headed back to class and I had a screaming toddler literally flung over my shoulder, there was no time. I quickly told her everything would be okay and that I was proud of her.

I wanted to explain to her that she should not only be proud of her achievements (like getting straight A's and always scoring far above average on her tests) but also learn to be happy for those who did receive an award. And believe me, I know that's not always easy.

I couldn't help but think of this:

"... we spend so much time and energy comparing ourselves to others—usually comparing our weaknesses to their strengths. This drives us to create expectations for ourselves that are impossible to meet. As a result, we never celebrate our good efforts because they seem to be less than what someone else does.
Everyone has strengths and weaknesses.
It’s wonderful that you have strengths.
And it is part of your mortal experience that you do have weaknesses."
-DIETER F. UCHTDORF  (read the whole article HERE)
And I loved this on helping children overcome disappointment and setbacks that are a natural part of life:

..."As children become resilient, they understand and accept these two facts. They see life as challenging and ever changing, but they believe they can cope with those challenges and changes. They view mistakes and weaknesses as opportunities to learn, and they accept that losing may precede winning.

As children develop resilience, they believe they can influence and even control outcomes in their lives through effort, imagination, knowledge, and skill. With this attitude, they focus on what they can do rather than on what is outside their control."

-LYLE J. BURRUP

(Read the whole article HERE)


By the time Savannah and Joseph came home, she was happy as can be, having already moved past her initial disappointment.

And I'm also proud of her for that.

She is by nature, competitive and doesn't like to lose or be last. But these small experiences will help her learn to accept, to try harder, and most of all, to be happy for other's achievements.

We won't always be first, or the best, or the smartest. But we can control our attitude and acceptance of these things and decide how we will respond.

That is character.

6 super cool people speak:

the fowlers said...

Look at you, all wise! What a great mom.

Just what I needed to read right now.

Serene is my name, not my life! said...

Not wise... learning. :D

Saimi said...

How darling are those school pictures! Man you have cute kids Serene!! Those are hard lessons to learn but you handled with love and wisdom, your kids are blessed to have you as a mom!

I always loved having my kids home for the summer, or any break for that matter, I was the worst at complaining that school was ready to start up when fall rolled around.

Susan Anderson said...

I totally agree. And character is worth the pain it takes to develop it.

=)

Mary Lou said...

Serene....
First off, I noticed your pregnancy counter on the side of this Blog!! I love it!! "Can I just say how I hate the way they use the word 'only'?". Crack. Me. Up!! ;-D
"... we spend so much time and energy comparing ourselves to others—usually comparing our weaknesses to their strengths. This drives us to create expectations for ourselves that are impossible to meet. As a result, we never celebrate our good efforts because they seem to be less than what someone else does. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. It’s wonderful that you have strengths. And it is part of your mortal experience that you do have weaknesses." -DIETER F. UCHTDORF. Wow. How can you post a quote which paints me in one swift brush stroke? I struggle with this issue, especially being somebody who lives with unwanted learning disabilities. Everybody is "better" than me. What a dangerous pastime. Thanks for sharing this!! ;)
--Raelyn

balloongal said...

Yay. Great thoughts for a Family Home Evening lesson. ;) Thanks.

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