Parenting

I had a moment today when I actually imagined myself as a future parent. I don't play favorites, but this one little monkey is just too much fun. We haven't seen him in a few days as he has been sick, but he returned today. He came to the door with his big smile (and a hug--aah, so sweet). I told him we missed him terribly. I mentioned the room has been quiet (he is a noise maker). He smiled and giggled and told me he missed ME terribly and he couldn't wait to get to school today. He wanted to know what book I started reading. Then he was sad to hear that he missed the first 2 chapters of Bunnicula. (I promised I would help him catch up.) He also wondered about his new word study group. He told me he spent the weekend on the couch with a fever watching TV and reading. We chatted about the books he read. I lectured him for picking "too easy" books, but then I relented because he had been sick...He smiled. "Mrs," he said, "Now that I feel better, don't worry I am back to working hard." All day he hung a little closer then usual. We were testing today, but he didn't care because he got to be at school, learning, with us! There are days when I am reminded why I teach. This little monkey reminded me today. At recess Monkey and I chatted about what he could be when he grows up. He asked for my input. I told him that he would make a great engineer or architect and then I explained why I thought that. He agreed that those were good choices and he told me he "trusts my judgements." He decided he would go home and discuss his options with his parents tonight. Seriously, he made my heart melt. Kids can be so wonderful.
These are the moments that I realize what a joke No Child Left Behind Is. This monkey will learn and do fine in school. In many ways he seems average, but I challenge him. I set the bar high and he exceeds expectations everyday because he is engaged. I wish that every kid could have this type of experience at school.
I think I would be a great mom. I am nest-building. Don't get too excited because it isn't happening anytime soon--I still get the puke urge when I really think about it.