My oldest daughter has been having some trouble in school this year- mostly with not wanting to do her homework, sometimes she does it but just doesn't turn it in!! She's also gotten sassy a couple times with her teachers, but frankly she only seems to have issues with ONE teacher who seems to have no sense of humor AT ALL, which makes me inclined to think the problem is more with the teacher than my daughter. However...when I got a letter a couple weeks ago addressed to "The parents of..." and return addressed from the intermediate school, I groaned. I was sure it was some official something or other asking me to schedule a conference "to discuss your child's progress in school" or something like that.

But it wasn't. It was a letter from the nurse's office saying they had their vision screenings and based on the results they recommended I take her to an eye doctor for further testing! I was surprised, needless to say. I knew they'd had vision screenings but the only thing my daughter mentioned was one of the kids in her class doing something really goofy while they waited for their screenings. I assumed she would've told me if she couldn't see half the letters, but nooooooo.

So I started to question her about it. She has trouble seeing the board even in front of the class, but it's worse at the back. No headaches, but her eyes hurt. I always thought she was slouching in front of the computer but now I realize she is leaning in and squinting to see better. Not wanting to do her homework? Well that could also just be her age (and what kid likes homework) but I think there's more to it now. I'm just amazed she's been able to function as well as she has been.

I just felt so horrible because all the signs were right there in front of me...and I missed em all! I don't wear glasses though and it wasn't like she was bumping into walls and doors so that's my excuse I take her in on Wednesday to the eye doctor. Wonder what she'll look like with glasses

 

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Awe, hun, don't feel bad. Do you think you are the first parent that didn't pick up on this? Of my 5 children, 1 does not wear glasses. Of the 4 that do, 2 ever said anything about their eyes. That left 2 that I had no clue had vision issues. Shannan and Jason never said a word about not being able to see well.....until their eye tests in school.

 

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Dont feel bad, you did what you could, You aren't going to see everything right off the bat.

Gaevren != Supermom

Gaevren = Great mom though, so don't beat yourself up about it!

 

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Gaevy, kids are professionals when it comes to hiding a problem they don't want you to know about.

I told my mother my knee was fine after my skiing accident and made sure she never saw me putting ice on it or anything like that - and she was blissfully unaware that I had ripped out a ligament until it snapped out of place during one of my softball games she was at, and I landed in the dirt.

Now she can pick through all the nifty colours & frames for glasses that are 'cool'.

Pray she doesn't pick D&G.

 

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hehe thanks guys. Darwy, what is D&G?

 

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Dolce & Gabana... high fashion glasses.

 

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Don't feel bad that you didn't notice. It happens all the time.


When you go to the eye doctor, make sure you have a budget for the frames. That way she won't get her heart set on a pair that's more than you're willing to pay.

 

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Hehe well...I am not sure how much high fashion glasses would cost, but we have a fairly decent budget, and for something she'll have on her face every day, I'm willing to get something she really loves even if it costs more. I do have a limit, though...especially considering she's not quite 11 and I'm sure her tastes will change and she'll probably be pretty rough on her glasses! That's a bigger consideration for me than price alone.

 

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Some frames are $300+ and unless she's an Amazon, she'll be getting kid-size frames. In just a few years (hopefully not sooner) you'll be replacing them with adult frames. Just keep in mind that she will likely break them, lose them, bend them, scratch the lenses, etc., when selecting the frames.

 

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Contacts might be cheaper. I started wearing contacts when I was 11 and I know some kids as young as 8 who wear them.

Don't worry about not recognizing the problem. Sometimes it's hard to tell with kids.

 

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