Recently, I became an unwilling volunteer at my kids' school. Of all places..... the cafeteria lunchroom. The first couple of days, literally all I could hear as I walked up and down the rows of tables was Guns n' Roses, "Welcome to the Jungle" ringing in my head. A friend of mine suggested that if I had to be there anyways, to purposefully go in with a good attitude and see what happens.
So I did. The same place... the same kids..... totally new picture to see. I saw the little girl not eating any of the lunch her mom thoughtfully packed for her, the special needs kids sometimes in their own worlds, the loners, sitting alone, heads down eating slowly, the cliques already forming with brand name only girls sitting together......
Today's disturbing sight were two SEVEN year olds (boy and girl) holding hands, fingers interlaced or at times with arms around each others backs walking together from recess. Whatever happened to "YUK, girls" or "Ewwww, stinky boys" being the great wall that kept the sexes apart? No other adult and none of the other kids questioned this or saw this as out of the ordinary. I was completely dumbfounded! Our society is putting ideas into our children's heads that they don't even know what to do with, and the kids are trying to fit in and participate with all the craziness. When these kids are having sex at age 12, the parents will be puzzled and wonder why and how this could've ever happened.
So yes..... I am at the school. Watching, praying and even at times reporting to the school what needs to be told. If it were me, I would want to know as a parent. I will not stand silently by.......
Posts
17 comments:
Wow...which is why we are homeschooling...we don't want things like that happening...and all the other bad stuff that comes with it-the bad manners, cussing,kicking,pushing and the "no respect" all this peer pressure!....but you know what...Madeline & Donato are being raised right and know right from wrong and they couldn't have better parents then you & Charlie..so good job guys!
What great advice your friend gave you! It is amazing what kids pick up from outside sources and some we are not even aware of. The peer pressure alone is something that I wish kids didn't place so much importance on. You are wise to see these things and let others that can change this know about them.
I used to work at an elementary school and was really disturbed when it was reported by one of first grade teachers that she found two of her students in the trash area imitating sex acts. I have been overly protective of my children because of it, and don't apologize for that. We talk constantly about right and wrong and I think they have a good foundation. Luckily, we have a very proactive school that has a lot of parent volunteers and really watches out for the kids. Good for you for being there to know what they are going through!!
Are you volunteering every day? Wow, it sure is an eye opener isn't it? When I started back to school almost ten years ago, it wasn't even like it is now in schools and I wonder if I really want to work in that environment because there are certain things that I WILL NOT teach. However, just think of the light that shines through you. Someone who didn't care as much as you could do what you are doing and the outcome would be different. I'm glad you are there at the school. Do what you can and you will make a difference....
Oh, gosh. That IS disturbing, which is why I like to be at my child's school as much as they'll let me.
They used to allow us to eat lucnh with our kids, sit right there at the cafeteria with them. I wish they'd bring that back.
That is pretty weird! However, I personally think parents can do a lot to avoid this and similar by controlling the supply of TV, internet and other "bad" pop culture influences that the child might not be ready for. I was raised in a very strict way and even though I hated it, I now think my parents really did a fantastic job.
Very interesting read, thank you for sharing and have a great weekend!
Sorry for the confusion... it was a boy and girl, both seven, holding hands.
GOD bless you as you serve HIM in your daughters school.
Andrea
PS: I have an urgent prayer request on arise 2 write.
Oh, well, if they're only seven then maybe it was more innocent? Stuff like that makes me nervous though, because when I was seven I had lots, and lots of crushes. Especially on my best friend in second grade, who happened to be a boy. (wait, maybe that should be obvious? LOL I'm tired)
Anyways, that's awesome you're there praying for the kids. I hope someone in my son's school is praying for him too. ;-)
Good for you. Most parents would want to know.
Cheri
Hi Diane,
Love the pictures. Your children are adorable!
Thanks for sharing this and stopping by my blog, Diane. I appreciate the visit!
Good for you, I applaud your new attitude and willingness to speak up. So many people stand by and do nothing, which only hurts the kids.
SOOOO glad yo are that kind of parent!!
Last year I joined my boyfriend in going to his daughter's school for lunch. He does that sometimes, just so he can spend more time with her. It was weird being in an elementary school cafeteria for the first time since elementary school. So many things I'd forgotten! Plus, school lunches really suck. Pizza and corn? What a combo!
I'm proud of you and so is God. This is the kind of thing Jesus would do for His kids. In fact, He is right there with you...
It is amazing isn't it? The world has changed so much since our generation was in school (wow that sounds old). I am involved in the schools here and a big reason is because I want to help look out for my kids. Being aware of what is happening is huge! Last year, my son was in Kindergarten and one of the girls became obsessed with him (which frightened him... and me). She never hesitated in her behavior, even when I was around. As school began this year, we had requested different classrooms, but her "crush" didn't go away. Recess became frustrating for my son and we had to involve the principal. It did not instantly stop, but at this point it has finally gotten better. It's sad that I feel as though I have to ask the question "did she bother you today?" daily.
Really? They were holding hands! Whoa.
I like how you stated that you were an unwilling volunteer, funny!
"Welcome to the Jungle," LOL! How appropriate!
smooches,
Larie
Post a Comment