I've been told

I don't talk about my kids "issues" much to people I don't know well - unless, of course, they read my blog.  It just doesn't usually pay off.  They don't understand or they treat you differently.

Or they don't understand.

Did I mention that they don't understand?

Like yesterday, when I was getting my hair cut by my hair dresser that I've been going to for at least 2 years now.  It was the first time since I've been going to her that I mentioned anything about my kids' school struggles - since as you all know I'm feeling a little nervous about the beginning of the year.

I wish I'd kept my mouth shut because she made me feel pretty dumb about sharing that things are difficult by downplaying my problems and upplaying everyone else's.

I made a comment about how much I hear from the teacher about behaviour, to which she replied that probably lots of parents hear about behaviour, I just don't know about it.  Like her, she always got into trouble when she was in school for talking too much.  AND she found school boring too.

Which I know is right.  I mean, I don't know how the other kids behave and how much their parents have to deal with principals and emails and such.  And I know that the more typical kids have behavioural problems too.  And of course, all kids find school boring at some point.

BUT, those kids don't need to have the programs changed for them.  That's what I should have said, instead of changing the subject.  I have 2 children that need their teachers to make significant changes to their lesson plans.  Last year, Finleigh didn't even get a real report card because she couldn't do ANYTHING on the report card the other kids got.  And most kids don't have to go to counselors or see PT/OT/SLP weekly or have full time aids.  Most parents don't have to attend IPP meetings either.

And no, there's no such thing as "normal" or "easy" when it comes to parenting.  But there is "more typical" and "easier".  Most people who know me well will readily admit that.  I've gotten enough "I don't know how you do it" comments to believe that.  And I'm fully aware that I have it easier that some other parents out there too.

I'm not self pitying cuz I know things aren't that bad... I'm just saying.  Our issues are not the same!

So, I'll take my cue and shut up about my kids challenges, cuz I don't like feeling like a complainer (or being one for that matter).  

Except here.  I may continue to complain here.