We had our first parent teacher conference. I want Rose to get perfect marks in everything. I want her to know her letters, be able to catch a ball, politely stand up for herself at the marble table, and not whine. And yet, I want her to be herself. And if she's shy and slow to ask others to play, I want that to be perfectly fine. Is crying and walking away wrong when someone makes you mad?

The bully/clique situation is still in process. The other day L. called Rose a name. Rose couldn't repeat it because she'd never been called a name before. I don't think she even understood the concept. I would like Rose to just find other friends. I don't want her to be part of the mean girls clique. Baring that, I suppose there is something to be said for the "learn to stand up for yourself" attitude the teachers are advocating.