As I go from day to day teaching--I have instances of things I see that I wish not to repeat as a parent. So--I'm creating this section called, "Dear Parents, " to help me remember some of the crazy things not to do as a parent someday...if I get there...
BTW--This isn't me trying to become an expert on parenting--this is me just watching other people's mistakes and hoping I can learn from them--although I can bet you I will make a ton of my own!
I have been pondering all day about an issue I have at school this year involving one of my students. This student is a sweet girl and I'm guessing watches and listens to her parents very closely. The current status of the economy has hit a lot of people and families really hard out here and I know several people who are out of employment. Each day though, we'll call her Josie (*changed for safety of student and me...) comes to school and updates myself and the class on her family's current economic status. The first one I remember was, "All I have in my lunch today is a sandwich because my dad lost his job and we are eating our food storage." (Partially not true that all she had was the sandwich--we have snack recess everyday, and she eats a good portion of her lunch then...)
The other day it was, "We can't buy these pictures because my dad has lost his job, but he said he'll take some of me for free."
But, every day--I hear something about her families situation and that they can't buy things or her dad still hasn't found work. Josie is 7 years old and this is causing her concern. So much that she carries it all day at school. And it worries her.
As a parent, I hope that I can worry about my finances in an appropriate manner so my child doesn't become paranoid about it--easier said than done, I know. But, sometimes I wonder if parents really know what their students tell me at school. And sometimes I wonder--how concerned should I be...I can pray for them!
13 years ago
4 comments:
Wow... that was really good for me to read. I think you forget how much your children really understand. I doubt those parents have any idea that their daughter not only understands what is going on, but has anxiety over it. I think it's important for parents to explain things to their children, but not in a way that it becomes a burden for them.
Wow! You are probably Seeing alot of that Right now! Poor Little thing!
Sometimes I wonder if people realize how much their words effect others, especially those as impressionable as small children. Thanks for posting this!
I wasn't sure if this was something I should post! I wasn't sure if my Dear Parent idea is a good one--at least on my personal blog--maybe a journal or something...
But I'm glad you all got something from it too! Hopefully it helps other realize what power we have over our children...because we really do have a lot!
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