Education and children
By devilsangel
@devilsangel (1817)
United States
October 9, 2008 3:03pm CST
Ok so this week is parent teacher confrence week and it's made me think a lot about how parents work or don't work with their children. After talking with my childrens teachers I was shocked to find out that most of the kids in their class are learning below grade level. It's not because of the teachers either, it's because the parents aren't taking the time out to teach their children.
I babysit a little boy who is in first grade and it breaks my heart when he's here during homework time because he has such a hard time doing basic things. He barely knows hie ABC's, he can't tie his own shoes, and he's even struggling with his math. My son who's in Kindergarden has been helping him with his homework. How crazy is that?
The boys sister who's in 5th grade can barely do her work either. Turns out their parents don't make them do their homework, they don't check to make sure it's right, and they don't help when the kids have issues with the work. I guess the girl brought home a letter saying that the school is willing to tutor her for free and her mom declined saying she doesn't need the extra help. Are you kidding?
So as parents how much time do you set aside a day to help your children with their school work? Do you read to the younger ones? Do you attend parent teacher meetings? Is your childs education a priority on your list or does it come last to everything else?
3 responses
@imsilver (1665)
• Canada
9 Oct 08
My children are everything to me! And as far as I'm concerned education is the biggest thing. It's their job and it's mine to support and encourage and do everything I can to help them along. My job isn't over until they have have graduated HS and are in a higher education program of some sort. Be it college, university or even a trade school/apprenticeship somewhere.
My children love to stay for lunch at school. Rather than send a lunch with them in the morning, I take it to the school at lunch time. I talk to them and see how things are going and I'm in constant contact with the teachers and school staff. I'm on top of every situation before it becomes a big issue.
Homework is a big issue. Last year our school system was on a 4-day school week schedule and my children were coming home with an incredible amount of homework. We went back to the 5-day week and so far this year homework is alot more managable.
I've tried so hard to make my children understand that schooling is everything. Even with a grade 12 these days it's not enough anymore. To get anywhere in there adult life they need to have a good start through their childhood.
1 person likes this
@littleone3 (2063)
•
9 Oct 08
I always try to read to my two year old every night at bedtime and we both enjoy it very much as that is mine and his special time.
My seven year old refuses to read to me at the moment its not because he doesn't want to but because he insist that he wants to read on his own. But now and again if a catch him in the right mood he will read a couple of pages to me. I always tell him that if he gets stuck on any word to come and ask me.
My other three children know that i will help them as much as i can with their schoolwork but the only problem with that, is that my 17 year old is doing work that is beyond me as he is studying for A levels.
I always make a point of attending parent teacher meetings as i want to know how my children are doing and if there is anything i can do to help them.
My childrens education always comes first with me.
@mom4kids (657)
• Canada
9 Oct 08
I only have one child in school so far, she is in grade 1. She gets simple homework everyday such as draw 5 pictures of things that start with the letter T and draw the letter T. I always make sure she gets it done, and help her when she needs help. I usually let her have about 30 minutes to play when she gets home and then I get her to do her homework in the kitchen while I make dinner so I can easily help her when she needs help. My children's education is very important to me and I can't imagine ever not being involved in that aspect of their lives!
