The hard truth is the world is not made up of a fan club for each person. Kids learn that very early.

Yes, Mom and Dad think ALL their firsts are special but then they go off to school.

Lesson one:

Everything you do is not cute anymore.

Lesson two:

Most people you need to deal with do not love you.

Lesson three:

There’s nothing you can do to change lessons one and two.

The BIG question is: How can we prepare kids for the world?

Seems to me, some kids are naturally better at accepting the lessons. It is a horrid nightmare for parents of kids that refuse to “get it”. Parents are inclined to blame themselves. “She was overprotected!” “He was encouraged to think “outside of the box” too much.” She should have had some preschool preparation.”

Wish I had the answer. After observing kids for many years, I wish I could offer a solution. It is the luck of the draw when it comes to teachers. Parents can, and should, ask other parents about the teachers and make a decision. But, like in politics, sometimes we have to choose the lesser of two evils. I’ve met some exceptional teachers. Wish they all could line up for my kids and grand kids. That would make life easier BUT that does not train kids to adapt to difficult times and to rise above them.

I know enough about teachers to realize the happy face during parent conferences is not necessarily the one the kids see. The only recourse parents have is to be a presence in their teacher’s year. Sometimes a parent needs to be a total pain to ensure the teacher stays on his/her toes.

Most teachers are truly great…the awful ones can leave scars and listening to your kids is all you can do. By the way, “It’s all the teacher’s fault.” does not pass the stink test. Kid’s will say that if they think the parents want to hear it.

On the other hand, I feel sorry for teachers today. Classroom control went out the window with lawsuits. Often the teachers get no help from parents. It is the “marriage” of teachers and parents that make the learning experience work.

It stinks to have a teacher that you feel is inadequate! Second grade is a “one time” deal for your kid!

I was a great supporter of home schooling (at least for kids up to eight or nine years of age.) Now, I am not so sure. Better to learn lessons one,two and three early?

Anyway, I’ll keep puzzling over this and you keep an eye on the schools.

If the money followed each kid and the positive reports from parents, then it seems schools would have to compete to get their needs. Success should be rewarded and poor schools should fail and go unfunded. Bad teachers would be a liability the school could not afford to overlook.