Tonight at dinner I asked the boys if they liked all their teachers at school (ya know- librarian, PE, music, classroom, etc). Thankfully, Gavin and James love them all. Brad told them of how he didn't like his 1st grade teacher... he remembers her being kind of mean. Then I said the only teacher I didn't like was my 7th grade teacher. When asked why, I told them that she didn't really like me so I didn't like her. She wasn't very nice and was kind of hard on me. This particular teacher was one of 'those' teachers... the one who is too aware of who the 'cool' kids are and plays favoritism. I would never be described as one of the 'cool' kids in any of my years of schooling. I let them know that back then, I wanted to be cool and accepted. Now, I am really grateful I wasn't because it just isn't who I am. James immediately goes, "Mom, I like your nerdiness." (or something to that affect... can't remember it exactly). Best compliment ever! Then Jack said, "I like you, Mommy!". Why is the approval and love of a child just the best?!?! Love it. The boys started talking about how they don't want to be cool, they just want to be who they are. Hopefully it sticks. I mean, if they end up in the cool crowd, great (?). But... I want these kids to know that just being them is the best thing of all. Be with those that make you have fun and be comfortable and have your same standards. Life is simpler than you think sometimes and this is one of those times.
