children / kids.
at this moment, i am attempting to relay to my 9 year old, just beginning public school 4th grade, granddaughter, that she is a child, and not a baby goat.
i see "kid" has become the "go to" label now .. along with "kiddos."
i'm not a purist. i tell her i use both labels, not kiddos, but prefer the more respectful, "child." i tell her children deserve respect. i also tell her, teens are children, too! it's not a "baby" word.
we are dealing with it in a light hearted, but, realistic way, too.
she loves animals, so, it's easy to discuss.
before this forum, i didn't think about it. now, i do. thank you.
i'm glad. i think it's worth thinking about.
i like sharing the concept with her that people deserve respect, and, children are people, too.
we met her teacher this week.
she's taught for 11 years, i believe. she's memorable, with purple-dyed hair and arm tattoos.
i've been told she is an "awesome" teacher. so far, the word, "awsome" seems to fit about everything the teachers+staff have to speak about. i haven't noticed the children using the word, but, presumably, they will learn all the hep language. i definitely get the message that "hep" is important at this happenin' school.
time will tell.
i'm thankful for the K-3rd grade years at the imperfect Catholic school.
it was not a perfect experience, but, as the OP poll reflects, the imperfections were largely brought in with children affected by the worldly culture around them, including in their homes.
parents with problem children often seek out faith based schools or private schools - to "straighten their children out." this is nothing new. it is a burden on schools, teachers, and other students.
with so many laws that restrict discipline, schools are often blamed for "doing nothing" about problems .. but, what is their choice?! if they don't face formal litigation, they still may endure internet lynch mobs.
it's sad.
both of my children would have made great teachers.
after college, i asked them about it. they both said, "no way." (for above reasons.)
most of their friends decide likewise.
we have friends whose children did go into teaching, quitting after one semester, or at year's end.
it's really sad.
my take away from the Catholic school experience is: i'm grateful for those years.
even with the bad things (brought in by students) .. somehow, the teachers, priest, elders, managed to get through to my granddaughter. she was drawn to the good like a magnet, was able to minimize the bad.
i am so thankful for her experience. now, i pray we can be effective in carrying the good, and the godly, forward.
it's a bit scary right now.
