To helicopter-parent, or not? Two stories...
Over the weekend, the New York Times had a piece about the "slow-parenting movement" -- a step back from the hyper-vigilant, over-anxious style of parenting that has been in vogue for the past decade or so.
Parents in the piece talk about building their kids' independence by letting them roam, and slowing down and not worrying so much -- the equivalent of the advice to "put your oxygen mask on first."
OK, but...then you read something like today's story about the tragic death of 14-year-old Christopher David Jones of Crofton, and you wish to find a way to ride in your child's bike basket, and in his school backpack, all the days of his life.
Comments
Dear Kate,
I am a mother of a tender hearted 14 year old boy who has been the victim of bullying. I could not be assured by the assistant principals of teh school (the principal felt this wasn't important enough,so he didn't get involved) so I kept him out of school until they were able to do so --- I contact the Superintendents office--- still no assurance of an immediate action to ensure my sons safety --I was then told that Juvenile services would get involved if I didn't send my son back?!! Are you kidding me??!! MCPS only cares about their attendance statistics and NOT the safety of their children??!! I now have a hearing this Thursday, June 4th to defend my actions - they want me to bring my son - to torment him more??!! I don't think so! I heard about poor Christopher, who looked so gentle & scared in his class picture and just broke down - how could this happen - he defended himself by reporting it to his school, the boys get expelled & retaliate like this --- when will this end?!! Why do innocent lives need to be taken before the school system does something about it?!!
Nurturing mother who adores her 14 year old son,
min
Posted by: min | June 1, 2009 1:33 PM
To the mother of the 14 year old. I'm sorry for what your child is going through. Please do not let the school board off the hook. Schools have a responsibility to keep our children safe. Teachers have a responsibilty to know when a child is being victimized by bullies and to take action as soon as possible. Parents of this bullies need to be held accountable for the damages, mental or physical that those children inflict. If you cannot control your child then you must pay the price. Talk to other parents and make a noise big enough to put pressure on those who can make a change. Stand up for whats right.
Strider
Chapter Commander Guardian Angels
Baltimore
Posted by: Strider | June 2, 2009 3:00 PM