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
Thu, 08-30-2007 - 5:47pm
I have to agree with you too. My dd's best friends at the age of 3 and 4, were her friends from daycare. When she started dance, she made friends but only saw them once a week. When she turned 5 and went to kindergarten, she would see her dance friends more often.
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-27-2005
Thu, 08-30-2007 - 5:48pm
It probably is personality then even though I don't think you did a bad job if she is doing well socially.
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-17-2007
Thu, 08-30-2007 - 5:49pm
it is great that yourchild doesnt need to learn to stand in a line, kids in traditional schools do need to learn that as to move them from place to place without it would result in chaos. personally i dont see any harm in my children learning to stand in line especially when it helps to ensure their safety.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-12-2005
Thu, 08-30-2007 - 5:51pm

No in post #889 you said over an hour.

Since my kids don't go to preschool, I assumed you were referring to them when you mentioned that preschool was important.

My children had activities where they met and chose friends without me being there.

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-17-2007
Thu, 08-30-2007 - 5:51pm
sure it is easy to teach but not if you are never exposed. by the way is the ballet class held in your home - because if not she is not learning that at home just at a different paid venue than preschool.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-12-2005
Thu, 08-30-2007 - 5:53pm
It is important to remember that there are kids who attend schools their entire lives and don't do well socially. Personality does play a huge role. Thanks for the compliment just the same.:-)
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-12-2005
Thu, 08-30-2007 - 5:55pm
No, it's not in my home but it's not in preschool, which if you will remember was the argument. Preschool isn't necessarily necessary to teach children certain tasks.
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-27-2005
Thu, 08-30-2007 - 5:56pm
I agree with you. I think SOME homeschoolers are sheltered from society and that plays a part in their shyness.
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-14-2006
Thu, 08-30-2007 - 5:56pm
Would not they get used to it at whatever age they started? If a 3 or 4 yesr old can get used a classroom setting fairly easily then it then why can't a 5 year old?
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-27-2005
Thu, 08-30-2007 - 5:57pm
The earlier the better.

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