I knew parenting was going to be tough, but here are a couple new topics that are proving to be difficult.
1. When to keep a kid home from school. I teeter on this one a lot. Paige came home sick, but didn't seem too bad, but I kept her home the whole next day. Then she came home again today complaining of a headache and very slight fever (though not on my thermometer, the nurse's). It's hard to come up with an objective way to determine whether one should go to school or not. I sent her because she had no complaints and felt great (but she also knew that an after school playdate depended on her going to school). So there are DEFINITELY many variables playing a role. I've decided I'll just have to take things on a case by case basis and try to avoid guilt one way or the other.
2. To defend onself. It's ironic. We try to teach our kids to be strong and stand up for themselves, then punish when they get caught in a scuffle. This happened today at the park. I didn't witness it, but I have it on good authority that an unkown boy shoved Will's friend Logan down and Will then went after the unknown boy. My first reaction - oh my gosh my son is being a bully. My second reaction - oh my gosh, my son is being a good friend. Of course, all the boys involved got a talkin' to, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't just a little bit proud that he stood up for himself and a friend.
Kenny’s 15 and Luke’s 12 year stats
6 years ago
5 comments:
#1 - i'm right with you. it was so easy when kenny was in preschool b/c if he was sick, it wasn't a big deal to keep him home for a few days if i wasn't sure - it's not like he was missing anything big. but now, i don't want to pass any germs on but when you're just not sure, you don't want them to miss school.
you're right; both are tough!
luke's got a fever today (bennett is already better) so it's a no-brainer today...but during the recovery period, it's always so hard to know!
on the second one, i'd definitely be feeling proud, but obviously, you have to do the talkin' to part! especially if one of my boys stood up for the other, i'd be proud and have to encourage that type of behavior (in a more civilized way!), since we really haven't seen much of that yet.
I love that you appreciate Will for sticking up for his friend. There are few things in this life that can make a parent as proud as when her child stands up for what is right -- whether it's personal conviction, or squaring off with a bully. Kids can be so mean, and I truly believe it is a LEARNED behavior, and not something that is ingrained at a cellular level. Will engaged in a little behavior modification. I LOVE him for that. It makes him a good person and a good friend.
#1...yeah, that's a tough one, especially if there is something fun they are really missing out on at school (or after school). And when they get older, it will be all the class they are missing...
#2 ...way to go Will (especially since he was defending Logan :)) We are trying to figure out how to teach Caleb to defend himself. Can I tell him to hit back? Never start the fight, but it's okay to finish it...is that acceptable to teach a 4 year old? sigh.
Sadly, once the kids get into the public school system, the Zero Tolerance Policy will kick in and they can't defend themselves or anyone else without risking suspension! In my view, the policy is too broad and all-encompassing. They've left no room for discretion because doing so would subject them to complaints of discrimination. Just one of the sad realities of the public education system these days! The 50's were so much easier!
Post a Comment