To roll my eyes at hyperbole in school newsletters and social media?

34 replies

graycenfayver · 26/05/2023 15:24

The students at my children's school are regularly described as "amazing" and "incredible' for relatively minor successes, and another local school has just tweeted about it's students' "unbelievable", success in a maths challenge (which seemed fairly average for a comprehensive school). i feel like responding to their tweet to ask why they consider the scores so unbelievable, and to suggest that if they believed in their students' potential a little more, they might do even better!

Am I just being a pedant and a cynic, or does this constant hyperbole annoy others too? Is it healthy for young people to have so much effusive praise heaped on them for good (but not earth-shattering) achievement?

OP posts:

Lostm4r · 26/05/2023 18:05

Praising children is good for their self esteem. Why it would annoy you is beyond me.

Frankenpug23 · 27/05/2023 08:28

NeverDropYourMooncup · 26/05/2023 17:20

I think that when you've had a half term of hell, the fact that you've managed to get a year group of low resilience, insecure and irritable kids to a stage in their maths despite having a TA teach them for 7 months to make it to an event without five calling in sick because of their parents' anxiety, fed half of them breakfast, provided socks and knickers, brushed hair, made sure they all have something to eat on at lunchtime because two came with half a melted Kit-Kat, made sure they didn't end up in a full blown punch up in the minibus that's been making grinding noises turning left but there wasn't any budget to take it to the garage - and then they've not just behaved well, they've won - yeah, you're going to big them up in the newsletter.

This ⬆️

Plus there are more kids than ever being safeguarded, living in poverty or generally just have a shit time. Whats average and mediocre to you might just be bloody amazing for them!

Bargellobitch · 27/05/2023 08:51

You must struggle with life if this riles you. They are just trying to be positive about the kids ffs

TheBerry · 28/05/2023 13:54

YANBU to find it annoying and OTT. I do as well.

YWBU to try and do or say anything about it. It’s not a big deal. The children probably appreciate it.

Snowtrails · 28/05/2023 14:06

It's trendy I think. Lots of people describe their children as "amazing" or "beautiful" even when that description is completely unnecessary. E.g. I have an amazing 2 year old. What can I give him for tea after nursery ?

toomuchlaundry · 28/05/2023 14:11

Is this coming from a place of privilege, where you have never had to experience the dysfunctional/deprived lives (for a variety of reasons) many pupils face?

Sigmama · 28/05/2023 14:13

How many pandemics did you live through as a child op? Ffs give em a break

loverofbono · 28/05/2023 19:45

Not the same but my friend posted a happy birthday message to her daughter on Facebook, calling her 'amazingly smart, funny and kind.' It was her first birthday 🙄😂

EarthlyNightshade · 29/05/2023 10:05

My kids primary (pre pandemic) had a newsletter where kids or parents could take in certificates of success. It was always the same few kids with their swimming badges and rugby participation certificates and I don't for a minute think that they were the only ones who reached Stage 3 swimming or attended a camp at half term. I used to roll my eyes but it did bring joy to the kids (and the parents) who did take part in this.
At secondary, however, it has to be really good. They will mention maths challenges broadly, but individual children have to win something outside of school or the team/individual has to do especially well before they get a mention.
I think if a school is proud of its kids, it creates a nice atmosphere (but spare me the swimming badges!).

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