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: 07-17-2007
Wed, 08-29-2007 - 11:51pm
you know, i can understand you thinking your children benefit from having a sahp where you lose me is when you try to carry that out to all children - i cant even begin to imagine how you would have a clue what is best for children other than your own. i think it is absolutely the best for my kids to grow up in the country but i am certainly not going to say i think that would be best for all kids. there are probably alot of things you think are best for your kids that i would think was detrimental to mine and vice versa.
do you even have the option to woh if you wanted to - did i not read where you couldnt make enough to cover paying daycare for all the kids.
Avatar for myshkamouse
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 08-30-2007 - 12:20am

"I agree that is an important thing to children and mine do that daily at the Y. They also have cousins very close in age that come over to play, and the children next door. "

I have friends with kids my kids age and we get to have them over regularly too. They also get interaction at preschool. All this and I get to work too:) Go figure.

"I don't know if you read it or not but my oldest child did go to preschool when he was four and yes he enjoyed it. I don't think having a SAHP means that kids can't go to to school."

Good. So you arent with them 24x7 as you've claimed in other posts?

Avatar for myshkamouse
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 08-30-2007 - 12:23am

Or maybe not. There are plenty of ways that kids can get interaction with other kids that doesn't involve putting them in preschool or daycare."

I didnt put my kids in daycare -- but I did put them in preschool last year when they were 3 very part time, and this year 3 1/2 days a week. They loved it.
Are you against preschool too? Its been proven to be beneficial to kids.
And personally -- I see the proof every day. My kids really enjoy it.

Avatar for myshkamouse
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 08-30-2007 - 12:29am
Wow if that's really true (and it usually never is BTW) then there's a company whose stock we should short.
That's no way to run a business.
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-05-2000
Thu, 08-30-2007 - 1:05am

Not Lois; but here are my reasons, in no particular order: my working enables dh to work at his career/avocation (actually this my main reason and it's a biggie); it enables us to avoid bankruptcy (historical costumes are expensive to sew); I'd do it anyway, this way I get paid for it and I don't have to find space to store all the costumes. Because of my experiences, my girls have gotten professional alterations free. Decorating our home is much cheaper because of my professional experience in Home Dec sewing. I love what I do and I'm very good at it. Why shouldn't I pursue it professionally?

Chris

The truth may be out there but lies are in your head. Terry Pratchett

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-15-2006
Thu, 08-30-2007 - 3:55am
unless you're trying to present an argument that b/after care really is an additional benefit to a child's education,school's extended day programs are around to appease or pacify wohfs..but i'm willing to listen to the other side. do you really think just as many sahfs use this? whose shout to the rooftops would be louder if this was taken away tomorrow? it's cheap and it's convenient which is why wohfs who need it use it.

 

Avatar for mkatherine
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Thu, 08-30-2007 - 6:19am
sillly ....you should KNOW by now that if you foolishly didn't choose to be born rich or marry rich then you're clearly done for! ofcourse rich people are better!

 

Yes. We. Did.

Avatar for mkatherine
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Thu, 08-30-2007 - 6:22am

egd, usually I try not to dog you on these but I'm sorry..."appease?" "pacify" oh boo hoo again. How about address the reality that is most peoples lives and work with them to provide care for their children while the parents are working? If even Lizas conservative catholic school can see the need for a great afterschool and summer day camp program then it's time to stop looking at working moms as a big whiny bunch of crybabies who need to be appeased.... I'd LOSE MY JOB without aftercare. and for the record so would Liza's DAD, the other single parent. And Idon't understand how the very existence of aftercare matters one whit to stay at home moms.... it's there, it's useful, it's a good experience and we need it. end of discussion.

criminy.

 

Yes. We. Did.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-12-2005
Thu, 08-30-2007 - 7:10am
No, I am not against preschool. I just happen to know from personal experience that it isn't always necessary. There are plenty of other ways that children can socialize with others.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-12-2005
Thu, 08-30-2007 - 7:13am
I thought those were inflammatory words too.

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