Parents and school involvement

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-17-2003
Parents and school involvement
2586
Thu, 08-23-2007 - 8:49am

My question stems from a personal experience. My middle child is starting kindergarten next week. I've become fairly close with one of my dd's friend's moms- this is her first child entering the school system. She WOH, I do not, plus I have experience with the school, so she's been calling me with questions and comments.

It started to go bad when she called to complain that the kindy orientation is during the day- when she is working. Then it led to complaints about the parents' read aloud program (when the kids are in library) and other opportunities for volunteerism in the school. I get that these things aren't convenient for her, but I'm getting annoyed with the complaining. How can the kids have an orientation at night when they go to school during the day? None of these events are mandatory for parents or kids. And plenty of activities are scheduled for evenings: Back to school night, the PTA picnic, etc.

She thinks because she can't participate, no one should be able to, apparently. Plenty of WOHP do show up for these things. I think she's being unrealistic if she thought she could put a couple of kids through school without ever taking a vacation day. Am I wrong? Am I missing something here?

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iVillage Member
Registered: 04-27-2005
Wed, 08-29-2007 - 1:05pm
They ARE able to do that though as when it is bad out or cold, they play in the school gym. They have access to the cafeteria, gym and outside playground for after-care.
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-04-1997
Wed, 08-29-2007 - 1:08pm
Sometimes they don't have to articulate that they hate it. You just know. My younger one hated our church nursery and hated the daycare at the gym. Period. He hated to go there, he cried when I left him, he begged not to have to go back. After a few tries in each place, when he continued to hate it, we made other arrangements. He didn't mind daycare. I think you can tell when your kid is happy with a situation and when he is unhappy.
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-15-2006
Wed, 08-29-2007 - 1:08pm
i agree with all of your post but esp the existence of before/after school programs......these are around to appease more working families than sahf. so in that respect,the fact that i don't have to worry about that makes my role a better one.

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 08-29-2007 - 1:24pm

"my kids are growing up with consistent standards that aren't determined by what an additional income can or can not afford to pay."


Wouldn't you like to be able to afford any additional or more in depth activities for them?


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iVillage Member
Registered: 06-27-1998
Wed, 08-29-2007 - 1:24pm

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PumpkinAngel

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-15-2006
Wed, 08-29-2007 - 1:25pm
how happy were you with thoes nurseries?

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 08-29-2007 - 1:25pm
Why "appease"?

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iVillage Member
Registered: 06-27-1998
Wed, 08-29-2007 - 1:26pm

Having programs that work with dual wohps, makes sahp better universally....exactly how?


PumpkinAngel

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-27-1998
Wed, 08-29-2007 - 1:30pm

Perhaps you can explain, but I'm missing the connection between allowing a child to advance based on their commitment and skill level (and of course their desire to advance) with raising children with consistent standards that aren't determined by additional income.


Do you understand the connection and the implication that it's a negative thing for a second income to pay for this advancement in activities?

PumpkinAngel

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 08-29-2007 - 1:37pm

Just so you know, I'm in general agreement with you on this topic.


"Perhaps you can explain, but I'm missing the connection between allowing a child to advance based on their commitment and skill level (and of course their desire to advance) with raising children with consistent standards that aren't determined by additional income."


I think she's saying nothing about commitment and skill level at all.

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