The teacher made me cry

This week we had our first teacher conference for O. I tried not to focus on it too much, but deep down, I was worried.

To be blunt: O is an odd little duck. I don't mean this in a mean way at all, because I too am fairly odd, and if there's something off about him he probably got it from me: I was painfully, pathetically shy and awkward as a child.

O is not shy, but he is awkward in some ways and has some social issues. Or so I've always thought. He's extremely friendly, but sometimes a little too much - he'll talk to other kids anywhere - in a park, a store, whatever. This is good usually, but if they don't want to be friendly he can't take a hint. He'll just keep talking until they get mad, then he gets upset that the kid doesn't want to be his friend. Whether this is a problem or just a personality trait, I'm not sure. I do seem to be a bit over cautious about him and was always bugging his daycare teachers when he was just a little late talking, walking, etc. They always assured me that he is perfectly fine.

He also is a bit hyper most of the time and doesn't listen to me. He's gotten better, but I still have to repeat things at least 5 times most of the time.

Then there's the writing. In the last two weeks or so, he's really taken an interest in drawing and writing - finally! But he still doesn't hold the pencil right, and makes large letters that don't fit between the lines.

So I was worried about this conference. I had this fear that she was going to say he may have ADHD at best, maybe even autism, maybe who knows what else.

So we get there, and first of all, his teacher is so bright and shiny it makes me feel old. Really old. I don't ever remember looking that way, even when I was her age (which I'm guessing is late 20's.)

The first thing she says is how our son is so helpful and smart. Huh? Hubby and I look at each other, then back to her, blankly. She laughs a little but doesn't really bat an eye. She also thinks that he's intellectually right on target and knows his stuff. At this point I get all quivery and really can't help it, I just start getting teary. I can FEEL hubby rolling his eyes, even though he's not looking at me. I explain that I'm so relieved because I was worried about his behavior and his writing. Again she doesn't bat an eye. She says he could possibly use some tutoring on the writing but she thinks he'll be fine.

So she thinks my kid is normal! The mom on the other hand is a wacko basket case.