Listen to Your Children... They Have Something to Say

When the school year began in September, I noticed a difference in my children's zeal for their charter school. Instead of high praises of their teaches and learning environment, Lady Clara and Sir Isaac expressed discontent with the people in charge of their learning and the entire scholastic experience. Mind you, this was on a daily basis. This was an instant red flag. My household is filled with people who love education. So, when my children shared their dismay, I not only listened, I took action.

After a month and a half into the school year and after a combined seven years at their school, I pulled them out and enrolled them back into their former elementary school. That Wednesday at 4 pm was their last day at the charter school and the next day, they were matriculated back "home." They responded in such a positive way to returning to their academic roots. There was lots more pep in their step, they were smiling ear to ear, they boasted about their teachers, couldn't wait to do their homework, had more time to eat their lunch and socialize with their friends and they were part of a "real" village.

Pulling them the other school was the right decision. I think if I had kept them there -- completely disregarding their unhappiness of being in a place that they spend more of their time on the weekday -- it would have affected their spirit. I was not willing to jeopardize my children's spirit. In just two and a half weeks of being back at the school where they both got their elementary education start, they have stood out amongst their classmates. Lady Clara was invited to be in a member of the Harry Potter Book Club and her teacher is eyeing her for "Student of the Month" for October. Sir Isaac is showing that he is a leader and has received 100 percent on his spelling tests. They feel loved where they currently are. They are getting the academic support in a nurturing manner. They have support. They are enjoying just "being." I see the diffence. And, interestingly enough, their former crossing guard does too. Just this morning when we passed her on our way to their current school, we had a brief conversation and she said they looked happier.

Moms... I sincerely implore you to listen to your children. They have something to say. If you ignore them, it could destroy their trust in the one person in whom they entrust their livelihood. Now, that doesn't mean that you have to respond favorably to everything that they say, but if it's important enough to them to tell you about the concern day after day, it's time to take notice and take action. In the end, it's about communication and respecting their feelings and concerns. They are "little" people with voices. They need to be heard.

Until I write you next, I'm just living the solo mommy life.

Love you!

Feona Sharhran Huff
Founder & CEO
Solo Mommy Magazine
"Empowering you with savvier ways to live a simpler life
http://livingthesolomommylife.blogspot.com