Parenting doesn't end with birth. Once a child is conceived parenting is a lifelong commitment. The old saying, "It takes a village to raise a child" is only true if the child doesn't have dedicated parents. Sure, we all need help sometimes and it sure is nice to take a day off and enjoy some 'me' time, but this popular saying has become an excuse for parents to let someone else raise their child. That someone is usually the school system. It is awfully convenient for a parent to pass judgement on everyone but themselves. I posted a quote on my FB page this week about parents blaming the teacher when they didn't get their child to school. Since when did it become my responsibility to call the parents to wake them up and remind them to bring their child to school? Here are my top five responsibilities of parenting (I'm sure you can think of many more):
1. Love your children unconditionally. They will make mistakes. You did too. Teach them to learn from their mistakes, but always love them no matter what. Sacrifice some time to show them how much you love them. Material possessions have a price. Time is priceless. Childhood only lasts for a short time.
2. Discipline them. No one thinks a temper tantrum is cute. No one is amused by the behavior of a brat (sorry I couldn't think of a nicer word). No matter how adorable or precious your child is, they need to be lovingly disciplined. They need to learn that there are expectations and boundaries that are meant to be followed. You know what those cute little spoiled brats grow up to be? Annoyingly entitled adults.
3. Meet their physical needs. A hungry child can't come to school to learn. They come to school to be fed. A child that comes to school in shorts on a day when the windchill is below freezing will not be ready to learn. If your child is sick, please don't send them . As an adult, you may have to go to work when you don't feel good, but don't you want to stay home. Some employers are not 'parent-friendly'. They may not appreciate you taking a day off to take care of a sick child. I understand that you need to work. I understand you might not have anyone able to watch them and you might not be able to afford childcare. But, please develop an emergency plan to deal with this. It may take a sacrifice on your part, but that is part of being a parent.
4. Don't play the blame game. You overslept and your child is late to school. They missed the math lesson. Don't blame the teacher. Find out how you can help them at home. Find ways to work with your school system and teacher. You will find that we really do love kids and will be willing to help. However, we can't work miracles. And, next time... set your alarm.
5. No matter how much you hate your child's teacher, don't tell them. Your personal opinion of the teacher should never be discussed with your child. Have a private conference and try to find some middle ground. If you 'bad mouth' the teacher at home, the child loses all respect for them. If the child and teacher are struggling to 'get long' negative comments made by a parent just make it worse. Look for a solution instead of a sounding board.
Hang on! Only a few more days left until Christmas break!
Have a Very Merry Christmas!
I'm taking next week off, but I'll be back on the 30th of December.
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Take time over your Christmas break to look through my pins at: Chocolate 4 Teachers.
If you are looking for reading resources to help out during the hectic holidays go to: Chocolate 4 Teachers
Still in school next week? Look at the gifs of these fun games and reading resources to make the days race by!
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