extended ego

that is exactly what our children are... we are hurt even before they realize someone was trying to hurt them; we are happy (read elated) when someone praises them...
so when last Thursday, R's teachers, in the Parent-Teachers Meeting said she was amazing in her English, Social Science, Hindi, Science and Maths, we both did feel very happy...
but her English teacher hit the bull's eye when she said, "I am very proud of A as a student, the ideas she comes up with, the expressions she uses, the way she handles unseen work, is exceptional for her age. But when i see her answer script, it is the absence of determination that i see all over. She is happy with the second place and almost willingly gives it up to A (another one), who, though less equipped than her, scores by sheer determination. Your daughter is gifted but lacks the will to succeed."
i had all along known this, have kept on dinning it into her ears (and indirectly her father's since it is he who believes in just leaving her alone)... so when this sensible teacher made the same assessment as I had, i was relieved that R was being monitored by adults who know their work...
this same view was seconded by R's science teacher who was happy with her for all the extra efforts she can see in her, as her House Coordinator, but said, "she needs to feel her sense of responsibility a little more."
so as soon as we were out of the room, B started, "you heard what she said... responsibility will come if we leave her..."
oh! same old assessment, i thought... and i retorted, "did you not hear what the English teacher had to say?"... for once B conceded, "well, she is like me in this..."
has to be, right?