A valuable lesson is learned by both the parent and the child by taking life as it comes, one day at a time. If the parent is always “fixing” things in the child’s path, the child learns nothing on how to deal with life’s struggles. They become spoiled and demanding - and expecting SOMEONE to always come to the rescue. Children need to learn the lesson that life is not always perfect and that there are ways to learn to cope with any situation.

I think it it is an important life lesson to be learned right from the very start. I don’t think parents should intervene unless there are blood and/or stitches involved!

McFan, Since it happened with you, you probably do know best. But, do understand my neighbors concern. What if a teacher seems less than devoted? What about her child’s education? There are so many wonnderful teachers, do we want to have our kids endure someone who isn’t? Mitzi

That sort of depends. If I felt the teacher was not dedicated or had a serious personality clash with my child I might get involved. I’d like to think that I could teach her that life is about all sorts of challenges and encourage her to find the best in every situation. BUT, it might not be the right decision to teach her to try to adjust to all people, if it hurts her ability to learn in a ciritcal elementary school year.

Wheather (sp) a teacher is good or bad there is always something to be learned. That “something” would have to be patients.

When you have a bad experience with a teacher, that puts knowledge in your pocket for “if” that were to ever happen again, then you know the steps to solve it. Also, it is good for when your children have children of their own.

To coin the phrase from a song from Bobby McFerrin’s CD “Medicine Man”… “for those who have been trained by it, no dicipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful; however it produces a harvest of righteousness
and peace”….

and the song goes on.

Have a GREAT & SAFE summer everyone.

Don’t judge a teacher by their “devotion or lack of.” Teachers have this “standard” or “reputation” that they come in early and stay late and they are always at every event and that is what makes them a good teacher. The truth is, teachers have lives too. I love my job, but it is just that, a job. Not my life, I am “devoted” to my family and myself, not my job. And I am still a great teacher.
If you have concerns about a teacher because of their personality, or discipline, or they way they treat kids, or they have a bad reputation or you get a bad vibe, then I would suggest you intervine. But remember, parents are the real teachers. It’s not a “devoted” teacher that makes or breaks a kid.

Dear Teacher,
That’s the BEST comment I have heard about parents being the REAL teachers. In your defense I have seen parents who expect too much from the school and the teachers, but are unwilling to do their part! Thank you for your thoughts! Also, thanks for caring about so many children, not just your own! Congratulations on your baby and …while I have you here….what is your biggest complaint about parents? What can we do to help teachers and kids to reach their goals? Mitzi

If a parent has a concern about a teacher, we teachers hope that the parent will address that concern with us! Many times, parents immediately go over our heads to the principal about their concerns without even making the teacher aware that there is a problem. A caring teacher wants to resolve problems with parents him- or herself before the parent takes the next step and talks to the principal.

Another thing–please don’t form your opinions of teachers based on what a neighbor said about him/her. Meet with the teacher yourself and make your own judgement. I love my job, but it really bothers me when people who don’t know me or my teaching style/ability base their opinions of me on hear-say before they have even met me.

Thanks!

Thanks Kelly, and I hope you have a classroom of wonderful kids this year!