/Begin Rant.
Politicians are now in the debate on what to do about Bullies... er.. aren't they a prime example of what bullies are in the media and WE ELECT these people.. do we really think they want to expose this...
In MY.. stress MY OPINION.. Nothing is going to change with bullies until we look at SCHOOL.. AND the Young Offenders Act. We need to hold children accountable for their actions.
In schools, children are passed through with no regard of whether or not they know the material.. children do NOT fail.. Seriously? No! Children are told to "finish school.. get an education.." but they are judged more so on their attendance than their knowledge of the materials..
"well.. there's not enough teachers to hold these children back.." Well perhaps that's something we need to look at eh?
"It might damage their self esteem.." In the long term.. wouldn't getting all the way through school and still not knowing how to read or do basic math hurt their self esteem more.. and what message does this send? Do nothing to get through this life!
Besides, if some lack of focus is because of peer relations... wouldn't a child strive if they had to develop new peer relations??
If you don't know.. you don't go!!!!
We tell children all the time "try it again honey, you'll get it." IN FACT even children will play the same video game over and over and over again until they achieve a higher level of success.. They have it in them!
"Classroom sizes are too large.." Bull shit! The teacher to "parental in denial of a behavioural issue" ratio is too high.
The Young Offenders Act??
Restorative justice for offences... Did you know painting your ROOM can count as an "Act"?? WOW
This is going to get harsh..
Stay with me! Minor offences..first time offences, even one.. Clean up the neighbourhood with the bright orange vests! It would eliminate litter.. it would embarrass them.. Make them work.. eliminate jobs no one wants. I also think that fining parents if there is destruction of property of course, But why not make them pay the wages of the person who has to supervise the child while they perform community service??? Perhaps Parents will take their jobs more seriously and PARENT. Low income? Can't afford it? No worries low income qualifies for "Baby Bonus" DEDUCT! Don't want to hold your child accountable for their actions?? Ok we will hold YOU accountable for their actions... Tunes might change. I'll get back to this...
Child Abuse! I remember my sister yelling at my parents "you can't hit me, I'll call child abuse!!" Saucy little brat! Is a firmer hand the answer? No, I am not for corporal punishment...Taps on hands.. a little paddle on the bottom, no harm done, Some people take it too far and since there is no guideline as to how to discipline firmly with corporal punishment.. I'll have to say "It's not for me" but open hand taps..I can turn a blind eye to. NEVER closed hand EVER.. My parents never hit me.. but respect and the healthy dose of fear that I could be spanked on the bottom, kept me in line.. Of course my Father or Mother saying "I'm very disappointed." was enough to reduce me to tears.. What changed?
Corporal Punishment Revised : if your child is brought home by the police?? I think, in police presence, you should be able to get a flat handed swat in.
TEACHERS
I saw this cartoon..
Doesn't it explain a lot?
A teacher bringing something to you about behaviour or a concern isn't the enemy, perhaps more people should stop defending their children, address the concern and insist on RESPECT. Think about it? How many hours during the day do you see your children with their peers? How many hours a day do you even see your children? Once they are in school it IS limited, if you are a working parent perhaps it is even less.. one hour in the morning, supper time and before bed. If they have independence and get to hang with their buddies after school or after supper.. even less. Maybe the person who sees them for the majority of the day deserves a little more consideration.
As a Preschool Teacher I rarely run into this issue, I am treated very well, but then again. I can be picked and chosen. But in "Big School" Not so much.
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
As an "Old school" teacher.. I will correct anyone's child and EVERYONE is someone's child.. That grown man that doesn't stand up on the bus to offer the senior his seat.. I am ON That! The teenager that scuffs his feet going up the side walk Oh Yeah I got this!.. But I am rare.. we have also stopped correcting people's children and lost that proverb "It takes a Village" What happened?
I am in my 40's but I recall getting in trouble 1 km down the road, and my parents knew all about it before I got home, I have sat at the kitchen table at many a neighbourhood's home, I have also sat on the front steps of a neighbour's house and thought about what I have done to hurt my friend or their feelings. What changed? Number 1 reason: we don't know our neighbours, Number 2 we worry about getting into people's business.BUT raising a child SHOULD be a team effort!
If someone tells you your child has been representing themselves poorly in the neighbourhood. Why the hell should we be mad at them? We should be saying ..
THANK YOU FOR BRINGING THIS TO MY ATTENTION! Practice this!
Also .. raise your child not to be a victim and to soully rely on this as an excuse for something that happens to them.
The other day a meek and mild mannered little one had an activity and was enjoying himself,a child swiped his work quickly and turned to run, the child who,I was instantly concerned that tears would follow. tackled the boy who always steals someone's "work" and pinned his head to the floor. This took about 3 seconds, I ofcourse separated them and encouraged the youngster to return the boys work and instructed the other to use his words .. but in my mind I was glad that the boy stood up for himself. Now I spend all day with these guys so I do know both of their temperments. I DID instruct that next time we should just use our words, but in all honesty I am not sure words would have been as effective. 4-5 times a day someone is reducted to tears because of stolen work, This guy's going to be A-OK!
I would like to believe everyone wants the same thing for their children to grow up to be a good person, to be happy and healthy, a positive sense of right and wrong, and to be safe.
Find me someone that does not want this.. You would be hard pressed.
Of course technically I am being a Bully by voicing my OUTRAGEOUS ideas on reform..But shouldn't all future voters be considered.. some things have gotten REALLY out of hand.
And while I am at it ...
Here's some ideas on Saving the world. Don't worry, I have a free moment..
Less Big Venues for Sports, more development of Rec Parks so people can AFFORD to go there.. Affordable Sport and "anyone can play" leagues. Wait, those kids with offences can maintain the fields and benches and collect the garbage can't they? Perhaps the excess of the parent fines can buy the equipment? Hmmm..
Prison systems.. THEY ARE IN JAIL we need to make it less appealing, No Cable, No Internet, No Phone Calls, No Conjugal Visits, YOU ARE IN JAIL.. RE -SOURCE THAT MONEY!
Day cares Hospitals and Schools have to provide healthy lunches with no extras, no seasons and toppings. Things like Jams and Ketchup and sweets are banned from these places. Butter is even limited... Why should you get them in Jail? Here! have your broiled white fish your plain brown rice and full serving of steamed vegetables. I also think we need to look at the education while on the inside.. If you have a criminal record you are only able to apply and be considered for certain jobs.. Why bother studying things like education, development, theology, and accounting? TRADES ONLY.
In Nova Scotia is costs $63,000/Year to house a prisoner.
It costs $3,000-$4000 a year to raise a child.
I am not a math head (I did alright..) But there is something seriously wrong with those numbers.
Can we offer tax breaks for people who raise productive children with good grades? How about provinical grading presents? Hmmm.. perhaps Savings bonds cashable on graduation?
Let's take away car allowances from city counselors and issue bus passes instead, there would be a huge amount of celebratory issues solved. It would cut done on pollution, free up parking spots that could generate revenue, the transit system would be improved quickly because as you know transit is designed by people who never take the bus, and Politicians might actually get to know the people in their ridings, REAL PEOPLE.
/End Rant
