Parent information evening at school

Tonight we were all invited along to Lily's classroom at 7.30pm where her two teachers spoke to all of us about...? It was all in French obviously. And while I picked up some of it, and the gist of other bits, the majority went over my head. I concentrated so hard that I could feel a headache coming on. And then I felt a tightness in my chest. And by 8pm I could feel the tears welling up. Then they came. I just cried. I felt so overwhelmed. Frustrated. And plain upset. Bet that's a first for the teachers...children crying every day, but not the parents.

Afterwards we were all given a book with our child's name on it and asked to draw a picture for our children on the page that said 'A surprise for my child' (Lily had already drawn a picture on the page for parents). Not being a drawer, and not feeling my best I wrote 'I love you Lily, love Mummy xxx'. Michael drew Elfie, a butterfly, the sun and stick figures of Charlotte, me and him. He also wrote 'I love you, Daddy'.

Afterwards we spoke with the teacher as Michael had some questions. I asked about having a meeting so that we could go over the information from tonight. When the teacher said that might not be easy, I got upset again and said maybe we should just go. And I walked out. Michael stayed and afterwards he told me that he explained to the teacher that it was a bit overwhelming for us tonight, not being able to understand everything. Good man. And the teacher made some plans to get us the info.

So, that went well...not.

We then went home and I continued doing what I know best - baking.