Pushy Mom
June 5th, 2011 | 
Author: 
Arianne* is 4 years old. She just graduated from the Junior Nursery Class and I heard she was the first honor.About two weeks ago, she was brought to the center for assessment so I gave mine and recommeded the program befitting her skills.
Her mom enrolled her right then and there and specifically asked for me as she already heard about me from other parents. I was, somehow, flattered.
Arianne’s first day went fine. I was encouraged. But when she came the next day, I was surprised. We normally recommend tutorial reading programs for children below 6 years old to be held 3x a week only, that is every other day. She didn’t perfom very well that time. It seems as if she forgot everything we read the day before.
I talked to the mother after the session and told her what happened. That’s how I learned that Arianne was enrolled in a reading program as preparation for assessment for Kinder 2, which is a level higher than her supposed level, Kinder 1. I was told that she would be accepted in Kinder 2 if she can read. That’s when I felt the pressure, for me and for the child. She said, she wanted Arianne in Kinder 2 because the girl’s classmates made it in Kinder 2. So… It’s a matter of ‘my child is better than your child’ issue.. I was dismayed.
I gave it another session. Arianne was not getting any better. I talked to her mother to tell her that even if I make her read as a result of the program, I can’t guarantee that the girl ‘will read’ on the assessment day.
The following day, the nanny was the one who brought Arianne to the center. The nanny looked at the girl with compassion. She told me that Arianne felt so tired that the girl even asked her when she is going to rest. I learned that Arianne started to go to school when she was 2 years old and that besides her tutorial with me, she also has a private tutor at home in the afternoon. The girl is simply tired…
I took Arianne in with the intention of talking to her mom at the soonest possible time. I would do what I can for Arianne but I wouldn’t push the child to her limits.. After all, SHE IS JUST A CHID..
*not real name
Posted in teacher's journal
Somebody ought to explain to these parents that you can not teach genius. You either are or your are not. Einstein didn’t get pushed at an early age. In fact, he was a lousy student for most of his life. School, for preschoolers (an oxymoron right there) ought to be FUN! Learning should be fun. I learned my ABC’s from Sesame Street. And oh, I was doing algebra even before I got to grade one, and I didn’t go to a preschool.
Kids should learn by playing…
Oh my!! At age two she is already push to do things two years old aren’t supposed to do. No doubt if this kid at the age of 4 is already tired at her age she is supposed to have fun with friends play and enjoy being a kid. This is not her fault it’s the parents. ^_^
I maybe a pushy mom myself to some extent when my kids started schooling. But then I noticed that I was expecting too much for my kids and I end up frustrated. That’s when I took a step back and let them set their own goals themselves. And it works!
Parents really want the best for their children but we should also learn and find out what our children wants.
Yes, you are right in your assessment. The poor child is pressured and tortured by the very high expectations of her mother. The mother is literally pushing her child to the wall. She must have been an underachiever and she wants to realized her unmet dreams through her child. Poor child. Thanks for the post. God bless you always.
agree w/ kuya mel, parent’s frustrations kept them expecting their child to do wonder they themselves WEREN’T able to do as children. I learned children’s development came at certain ages. All my kids can’t read at age 4, that didn’t makes me worried…
First, congrats for being the most requested teacher!
Arianne started schooling at 2? Oh dear, unless she’s a certified genius, that’s almost child abuse. I can’t understand why some parents are too desirous to make their child the best or the smartest or most awarded, even if it’s not in the nature of the child. Educating a child is good, but she should not be pressured too much at such a young age. It might only cause her to rebel and fail on purpose later in life. I know.