Thursday 16 July 2009

Parenting advice

I was quite surprised to pop by a Globe & Mail-hosted blog, on Parenting.

I question the purpose of this blog. I can imagine being paid for writing about parenting advice, but wouldn't that demand you had qualifications in same?

What a crock. Interesting pronouncements, such as

"Families just have to do what seems right to them"?
I think not. This is why there are Nanny shows, and Dr. Phil. People want expert, objective advice and need help.

You are the master of your home. You need to ensure that teen and 20-something children living in your home contribute, financially, physically and wholly in family life. I set limits for my children. What a bizarre post!
Yes, your relationship changes, but you will always be their parent and they will always need to feel that you have the wisdom of year and experience. If you foot the bills, you have the right to put your foot down, too.

in an interesting journalist method of the new millennium, is to feature journalists as experts.
The previous post this writer recommends that we give teachers report cards. Oh my. Teaching is far more complex than tests can show. We are monitored every day. If that is failing, blame the principal doing the assessment and review.

This is a bizarre post. "We Should Grade Teachers, Too" Imagine a journalist/mom having the education and experience to make pronouncements about how to assess teachers.

She does not know what goes on at all.

We are assessed, by Principals, many on a 3-year-review cycle. They take into account our performance, they see us day-t0-day and counsel us daily. The recommend Professional Activities. We make annual goals and work around them. We guide and counsel each other, ensuring that we are accountable.

Yet, if you have an issue with a teacher, it will not come out in a report card you suggest we get. It comes in sitting down with the teacher, talking to her about how you feel. Discussing it with the Principal if you are not satisfied, in an atmosphere of collaboration. But so many go running into the office, rant, yell and/or swear about a perceived issue. I believe there are three sides to a story: yours, mine, and the truth.

You should hear the stories we hear about what goes on in your home. We agree to believe 50% of what we hear at home, if you believe 50% of what you hear about school.

It would be nice to read more valuable and informed opinions than this, based on being a mother. These are the silliest posts ever! The reader comments even more enlightening. It all depend upon your experience, not quantifiable, qualified data.

2 comments:

The Weaver of Grass said...

I often find that the people who are the keenest to give advice on parenting are those who have no children themselves.
Common sense, lots of love and a sense of humour would seem to me to be the only really important issues involved in parenting.

BluePixo said...

Every parent should convey to the child that he is an individual in his own right apart from us and responsible for his successes and failures.

BluePixo Entertainment - A place for mom and dad to share topics about parenthood