Why I Cried at a Parent Teacher Conference

August 13, 2023

Last week I mentioned that I cried at a parent teacher conference and here is why.

A few years back my daughter had an outstanding teacher.

While she was a good student, she was struggling in this particular subject.

When It came time to meet her teacher for parent – teacher conferences, I found myself sitting across from this teacher welling up with gratitude that I had no idea was there until I sat across from her.

I felt tears of gratitude come and the familiar habit of withholding said tears, however this time I allowed them to flow.

Her teacher became uncomfortable, quickly trying to comfort me.

I explained to her that I was not sad, but grateful to her for her deep devotion to my daughter. 

All year long, my daughter struggled, but stuck with it and ended the year with a decent grade but more importantly she ended the year feeling good about herself.  

She developed confidence and learned how to stick with things when it got hard, ask for help and commit herself to doing her best.

These qualities will stay with her for a lifetime and as a parent I know that it takes a village to raise a child. This teacher’s deep devotion to her craft was a huge gift to my daughter and I knew that.

In the past I would have choked back those tears for fear of being judged, or for a desire to keep things comfortable.

But I know better now.

Like I said last week. Your feelings are here for a reason. 

They are here to be felt. They have intelligence and a purpose. 

When you ignore, avoid or deny them, you deny the truth of who you are.

And there is a huge cost to repressing your feelings. Even the good ones.

Remember that allowing your feelings to freely flow is a gift for all.

Wishing you a feeling full day.

with gratitude and love,

Annmarie Chereso
Author, Speaker, Coach, & Meditation Teacher