I love when progress reports come home from kindergarten. The grading system there is all kinds of awesome. Our school gives out "e"s, "s"s, and all manner of other letters, signifying various levels of trying. I think the general idea is to lift kids up and show them support while they're in the process of learning. They wait a whole year before sending papers home with 60% written in bold, red letters across the front. (Though, those are often peppered with phrases like, "nice try!" and "showing improvement!")
What would life be like if, instead of always feeling beaten down by the stuff I'm not getting JUST RIGHT, I got points for effort?
Like, how great would it be to get a report that said:
Laundry - A for almost there. As in, we noticed that, while you didn't get the laundry COMPLETED, per se, you certainly showed good intent by leaving the laundry basket in the living room...so close! Better luck next time!
Dinner - W for well done. As in, you probably didn't mean for the pasta to be this mushy and the steak to be this tough, but we know you had to leave the kitchen when you heard your kids trying to break each other's bones in the other room, so we'll give you another shot.
Childcare - L for living. As in, your kids are still alive today, even though you neglected to tell the school nurse Miles would need a breathing treatment, and they haven't had vitamins in several days because they keep reminding you AFTER you brush their teeth and there is no way in h-e-doublehockeysticks you are brushing their teeth TWICE before bed. But we know you love them, even if their clothes are covered in foodstuffs and they need baths.
Husband - C for at least you're cute. As in, we haven't had a date night in awhile, and you're usually pretty, ahem, tired at the end of the day, and your shirt has snot on the shoulder. But from the neck up you're not horrible to look at, so at least there's that.
What kinds of grades would you like to get??
4 comments:
This grading system would totally help my self esteem. (0: I will start using my new grading system today. I guess everything you need to know you really did learn in Kindergarten!
I think Karl needs to learn this grading system. Maybe then his expectations would be a little more realistic. Especially about being pretty, ahem, tired at the end of the day. :)
BTW, I think you also deserve an "F" for Fan-freaking-tastically Funny. Just because you so consistently are. When did that happen, exactly? I don't remember you being so hilarious when we lived in the same house. Back then, it was more about drama, pouting, and taking offense at sarcasm. Hmmm.
Indeed, you get an F++ (or is that F--??)!!!!
Haha, very clever! Why do people always say "A for effort"? It should be E right? Or spelled Affort.
You describing your mothering life makes me feel better about how I'm doing... Not because I'm doing better than you, but because I am right there with ya... And I think you are a pretty incredible mom!
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