During the weekend my children were invited to a birthday. I dread going to kids birthdays because I am there as a parent or as the AP depending if there are parents from school or not. More than half of the time I see parents from our school there. I am not the type of mother who sends her kids to birthdays with the nanny. Therefore, I am forced to see parents because I simply can’t stop my kids going to their friends birthdays. The minute they see me they start asking questions, give me their feedback or say something negative. To hear a compliment is very rare now a days and I simply do not understand why!
So there I was interacting with the kids trying to avoid some parents as I knew they were from AIS. I knew that because that whole compound is full with AIS parents that live there. All of a sudden I hear, “Good morning Mrs. Dana” and I froze. I thought man oh man can one weekend pass without bumping into parents?! Is it that hard? I guess it is. So I turned around and said, “Good morning how are you?” and smiled. Cleary I did not memorize all 600 students and parents names so I had no clue who she was. She smiled and shook my hand and said, “My daughter saw you and ran to me saying “Mrs. Dana is here, oh my God.” Yes, I am human and do go to kids birthdays as I have my own kids to take hahahaha. She continued, “I have a daughter in 3rd grade and she wished you were her teacher but loves you as the Assistant Principal. I just wanted to say…” And I froze. Here we go, an intro like that must be followed by a complaint .What a way to start off your weekend on a Friday morning. Can I run away and not listen to her to ruin my weekend please? God! “I am so happy with my daughter’s teacher, she is amazing, she loves and cares for each student in her class and it’s rare to find this now a days. I wanted to thank you for everything you are doing. ES mood is different and lively now. You are doing a great job. Keep it up please. I know no school is perfect. I know each school has it’s pros and cons but I am satisfied and happy with AIS this year and have no complaints. Seeing your smile and how you greet each student as though they are your own is wonderful and comforting for us parents. We are all saying God give you strength and good health to continue what you are doing. You have wonderful teachers and I am simply grateful. We can feel your energy when you are around and love it. Thank you once again.”
I was speechless and smiling as she was speaking. I felt like I was in a daze. WOW!!!! Not 1 but so many compliments all in one go?!?!?! I stared right at her and said, “Thank you very much, you do not understand how happy I am when I hear such comments about my staff. Thank you, honestly. It’s my pleasure as long as each student feels safe, cared for and loved then I know I accomplished something being in this position for 5 months. Thank you once again. I am here for the students and their well being.” She smiled and said, “that is wonderful to know, thank you.”
Now that’s how you start a weekend after a week of endless problems and crisis. I felt on cloud 9 for the rest of the day!
Now if we can only increase positive feedback and compliments rather than negative and unkind feedback. Or am I asking for the impossible here?!
