Kingsley: Parent-Teacher Conference

Wednesday 26th November 2015

A few weeks ago Miss Charisse, Kingsley’s teacher at Hummingbird, called Erroll and I in for our very first parent-teacher conference. We did not know what to expect and quite frankly thought the idea of three adults convening to talk over the ‘progress’ of an eleven month old rather ludicrous.

First day at Hummingbird, with his nurse

First day at Hummingbird, with his nurse

After initial giggles, however, we took the invitation seriously and even attempted to fill out the sheet asking us all sorts of probing questions related to our boy (our parental ‘concerns’ over his behavior; the recent ‘progress’ in his development we have observed at home; our ‘desires’ for his future’, etc) so that we could present it proudly at 5PM today, our allocated time with Miss Charisse.

First week at bursary, 6 months of age

First week at bursary, 6 months of age

Well I am glad that Erroll and I took the time to consider our son’s progression into toddlerhood in preparation for the conference, for his teacher took it all very seriously and came armed with notes, diagrams and all sorts of anecdotes of his classroom conduct. We heard of his physical strength and capability in climbing and cruising, an insatiable curiosity to investigate the entire jungle gym, a willingness to try new things including messy play and hand painting, and, er, his proclivity for biting…

Nearly seven months of age, at nursery

Nearly seven months of age, at nursery

BITING?! Oh dear. Who does King bite? Well as it turns out he avoids the little babies and only chops on the more mature shoulders, cheeks and arms of his adult carers. And most probably because his teething gums are tender, Miss Charisse consoled; most definitely not because he wishes to inflict harm on big people.

Six months of age, loving what he sees at nursery

Six months of age, loving what he sees at nursery

Whereas my desires for the infant extended to ‘accomplished pianist’ or ‘linguist’, and Erroll’s wish is for his boy to ‘never back down in a fight (!!)’ and to ‘walk unassisted’, it was ultimately Miss Charisse’s apprehension that shook us out of our daydreaming: the biting.

So much for all of our pre-work for the parent-teacher meeting; all that fussing with a two-language household and the sensorial play I research. Our boy is a biter. Chomp chomp chomp. We have a few weeks to sort it out or else we just may muzzle the little lamb before the school year begins in January 2015.

Nearly nine months of age, at nursery

Nearly nine months of age, at nursery

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