There's one massively obvious fact, which for some reason I've never heard anyone mention. It is that there's no better person for chatting about your kid with, than THE OTHER PARENT.
Teachers are professionals, they're doing their job, and looking after a hundred other kids too; friends with kids, well there's always a shade of distance, and comparison with their own kids; friends without kids haven't personally been there, and step parents - well shoot me because there will be some exceptions to the rule, but step parents, well they're still one step removed. I know. I've been there.
No, for sharing stories about the kid, the other parent is the best bet. One of the best bits about being reconciled with W before he died, was being able to chat about the cherub. Stuff that drove us both mad (XBox addiction), stories we both found funny(cherub getting both wellies stuck in the mud and falling flat on his face), stuff we both liked about the kid (the jokes, the gentleness).
Well the cherub's just got a 1 in his foundation course English. His essay was the best in his year - despite everything.
And saying W would have been proud is not the same as telling him at all.
23 November 2009 at 11:52
The big thing that Steps will do wrong is to try to replace the missing one----
Dumb----it is not their place and not what is required.
In Cherubs case, a guy who he can talk to would be great----maybe not now and not necessary that it's someone in your life----even someone who can play big brother----
No one will replace his Dad----he will only ever have one of those
Lovers, well you might have another one or two---they just have to be tolerable to cherub----the have to be acceptable to Ned
23 November 2009 at 15:42
Still - you told us and we're proud.
23 November 2009 at 21:17
We're no substitute but we can share.
So what did you do to celebrate?
24 November 2009 at 20:38
Clyde - hmmm if Ned approval is needed that rules out all postmen and couriers for a start..
Kaz - We are. We're dead chuffed.
Mr Musgrove - the boy has requested a fiver and....Another Sleepover.
24 November 2009 at 21:46
Great news and yes, even through a limited acquaintance, I'm chuffed to bits that he's done so well.
25 November 2009 at 09:18
Thanks Mme DeF - the boy done good indeedy :)