Thursday, August 27, 2009

Parental Pleas

I have two requests today: one to the parents of students in school, and the other as a parent myself.

#1: Please don't keep your kids out of school for stupid reasons!
(Excuse my language--stupid is not allowed in my classroom.)

One student missed the first two days of school for a family vacation. Another student missed the first two days this week to stay home and help his mom babysit his nieces. A third student's mother came to me today and informed me that he is going to miss all of next week for a family reunion. The best part: the reunion starts on THURSDAY. He's just leaving Monday for the fun of hanging out with his grandparents.

Ok, I'm not trying to sound cynical or rude or anything. I understand that there are times when a child needs to miss school for legitimate reasons. But babysitting is not a legitimate reason! They are kids, not adults. They should be in school. Family vacations should be scheduled when school is not in session. Don't wait until school has started and then leave town! I understand that things come up: family emergencies, death of a relative...but your annual family vacation? How about July?

So that's that. I just needed to vent. If you do choose to put your children into public school, please plan your vacations accordingly. And find a babysitter that is over the age of eighteen who isn't subject to truancy laws for missing school.


#2: Please don't ask me how I'm feeling.

I'm more than seven months pregnant. I'm uncomfortable. I'm hot. I'm sore. I'm exhausted. Yes, I'm tired of being pregnant and yes, I just want the baby to come now.

When someone asks how I'm doing, I find myself faced with a dilemma. My choices: one, I can lie and say I'm fine. Two, I can tell the truth and tell every person how I'm actually feeling, which is generally a lengthy list of negatives. I don't find either option appealing--especially since most people don't actually want to hear it, really.

And: It's always been a pet peeve of mine when people say "Are you ok?" It's my opinion that people only ask that when it is obvious something is wrong. So why ask for information that you already know? Don't ask me if I'm ok. If I'm not, I probably don't want to have it pointed out again. Likely as not, I already know that I'm not ok. If I am ok, why are you asking?


Deep breath. Ok, I'm done. I just wanted to vent. Now you all know. Don't worry, I'm generally healthy and happy. No need to be concerned. :)

3 comments:

Jess said...

are you ok? you sound upset..

:)

Tannie Datwyler said...

Hehehe, I just had to laugh at Jess' comment. :)

I liked your first parental plea - that was a pet peeve of mine too. DUMB! Especially here at the beginning when you are trying to get it all sorted out.

Maybe book club will be fun and cheer you up... or just more work. Do you want me to make the treat? I totaly can.

Jared and Delia said...

My parents NEVER let me miss school...wow...their parents must have skipped class when they were in school a lot too. :)