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: 06-27-1998
Thu, 08-30-2007 - 10:39am

<<While I do still think that most children are better off with a SAHP I am starting to understand people's reasons for working more.

PumpkinAngel

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-27-1998
Thu, 08-30-2007 - 10:42am

<<While I still feel most children benefit from a SAHP, I can better understand some people's reasons for not wanting too.

PumpkinAngel

Avatar for mkatherine
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Thu, 08-30-2007 - 10:44am

I also failure to see why my career choice and lifestyle need to be "understood" by others...what possible bit of difference can my work and my life make to someone else -- I used to feel that way when breastfeeding moms would try to "understand" why I formula fed...uh...because that worked best for me. Just like working works best for me. why do I have to explain it more than that?

 

Yes. We. Did.

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-05-2000
Thu, 08-30-2007 - 10:48am

While the afterschool care that we use for Dylan is designed for wp, the other 2 programs that are available to us aren't. We chose the one that is designed for wp because it's the only one that has manditory homework time. The other 2 programs don't. The kids can voluntarily do their homework in those programs, but it isn't required. We want Dylan to do his homework in afterschool care so that the evenings are free for family time and not taken up with homework.

Chris

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

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-27-1998
Thu, 08-30-2007 - 10:49am

I'm guessing you don't have any experience with before/after care programs.


PumpkinAngel

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-27-1998
Thu, 08-30-2007 - 10:53am

But after/care and daycare does raise children?


PumpkinAngel

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-27-1998
Thu, 08-30-2007 - 10:55am

What exactly is your experience in

PumpkinAngel

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-27-1998
Thu, 08-30-2007 - 10:56am

Well said.

PumpkinAngel

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 08-30-2007 - 10:57am
My view may not be popular but I belive all these people help raise my children.
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iVillage Member
Registered: 06-27-1998
Thu, 08-30-2007 - 11:01am

You don't, I agree.

PumpkinAngel

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