PTA Meetings

I think there are several personalities within oneself. The best amongst these come out when we love another deeply. I think my best self is that of the mother for it brings about a lightheartedness in me. The time I spend with my child, reveals a little interesting thing about myself and surprises me as well.

Patience is not my strong point. Yet, I can answer for a considerable time most of Ponnu's queries. In return, as Ponnu grew up, she answered most of mine. It was much fun to attend the PTA meetings in school, when Ponnu's results were out and parents were asked to accompany their children. Now, if a parent has been in daily conversation with the child, then he/she knows her friends, teachers, bus driver, conductor to even the vendor selling guavas outside the school gate. So for me attending a PTA meet was to get to know the faces behind the names I knew intimately.

PTA meetings have never been a serious issue with me. I have told Ponnu, studying is her only priority. I encourage her by saying; you are a bright student and can do well for yourself. The stress has been to see she did her school work regularly and realized the importance of studying. Once the results were out, there have not been any reprimands, for that to me is a pointless exercise. You stress yourself and your child by getting angry if the results are not good or not to your expectations.

On every occasion that I have visited Ponnu's school for PTA meets, I have had nothing to ask of the teacher. I scan the answer sheets and since Ponnu is a good student, there is nothing much to discuss there. When the teacher calls out Ponnu's name, I go up front with Ponnu and the teacher goes, she could have done even better, and I nod. Within two minutes, it is all over and we both walk out.

I have wondered why PTA meetings are such solemn occasions. I have had the most fun conversations on the back benches of Ponnu's classroom discussing softly the various silly and fun elements of her student life that academic year and Ponnu pointing out her many friends in there. When it was our turn to meet the teacher, I have had to summon a solemn expression on my face with much difficulty.

In my memory of PTA days, one occasion stands out. When her English teacher told me and Ponnu, "She is a student who can turn any situation into a success." That is all a child needs. Encouragement from people she respects. I was blessed to have met with some fine teachers who helped my child along and made my job as a parent so much easier.