Standards Based Assessments

I am just sitting here this morning feeling happy that there are not standard based assessments for being a mom or a homemaker. I am totally too laid back about many things that drive other people crazy. And getting back my test scores would completely annihilate any sense of self worth that i might have. There might be questions like:
What do you do with the birthday candles after you take them out of the cake?

How many times a week do you clean your floors?


Which day of the month do you clean out your refrigerator?


I cringe at the thought of how I would be assessed. I am not a total slob, but with only a few questions allowed, it could go very badly for me. I would feel compelled to say, "I don't meet your standards, but I do lots of other things well. Please, ask something about my strengths."

I don't think that they would be so excited by the fact that I throw the candles in the drawer to use again next time.
That I clean my floors when they bother me.
That I clean out my fridge when it smells or has something spilled. Or, very importantly, when I need the tupperware back.
The point is that how I look is dependent upon what questions are asked. That's how it is when there is a standard based assessment. It is based on set criteria, not on an individual.
Unfortunately, many of us live our lives like this. We judge everyone from the view of how a rose should be, smell, behave.........when not everyone is a rose. There are hyacinths and black eyed susans. Peonies. Columbines. Irises. If all of my questions and expectations have to do with being a rose, only a few will measure up. I will live disappointed and they will live feeling condemned.
This happens a lot with parents and kids. See what and who you have living with you and ask the right questions. All flowers should actually flower though they don't all make roses.......all kids should be respectful and grow in character, but they won't all be A students or superstar athletes or musicians. Look deeply. Find the beauty in the kids around you and help them to become who they are supposed to be. Help them grow into the person they were created to be.
They will be so thankful to be judged by the right standard.
It works with adults too!
blessings,
rhonda