Wacko Parent

Home

Chat

Blogs

Collection

Directory

Home : 2004 : January : 15

Wacko Parent
By Nichole

These have all given me a good laugh...

At the beginning of this year, my "helicopter mom" came to visit me after school. This was not the first time that she ambushed me with no warning immediately after the bell rang.
She pushed her way into my room to inform me that her son did not want to come to school anymore. When I inquired, she explained that he wasn't happy because my "rules" were too strict. I asked her which expectations he was having problems with. Here is a short list:
1. When the students are working at their seats quietly, he isn't allowed to talk. (Does anyone get to have a chat

with their neighbor? NO)

2. During silent reading he isn't allowed to go to the bathroom. (Is there plenty of opportunity to go before AND after the 30 minute reading block? YES)

3. If he loses or doesn't do his homework he has to do it at recess. (Does he understand that his homework needed to be done AT HOME? Of course.)

I patiently tried to explain that the rules apply to all students, but she insisted that her son was an exception. So, I figured I would talk to him and get his side. When I asked him if he understood the reason for the no talking, no bathroom and lost recesses, he calmly replied, "Yes." Apparently, some things are lost on parents, but make perfect sense to 9 year olds.