Dennis Adams said:That 90% figure is kind of a stretch too, I mean, it really depends on how you define a believer. Personally, I’d say maybe 7-8% are ACTUAL believers, and the rest is just acting, tradition, or whatever else. Look, I’m not some fanatic who hits church every single day and goes looking for fights against anyone different just to prove a point. You either are or you aren't. If you're a believer, you live by those values. If you aren't, you don't. Simple as that.
I totally get where you're coming from. But honestly, whenever anyone points out that there aren't actually as many Catholics in America as people claim, everyone loses their minds! Suddenly, it’s a huge debate about personal identity and how people have the right to label themselves however they want. Like, if someone brings up removing religious education from schools or revising those Vatican agreements, people immediately jump to saying, "But America is a Catholic nation!" and all that stuff.
Now, suddenly, atheists are being blamed for everything. So, if that's the case, how many of them are there actually? 🙂
Man, I was just thinking... how many Catholics are actually in the US? Like, 90%? And then you’ve got the Orthodox folks, Muslims, Buddhists, Jews, Amish, Jehovah's Witnesses... probably at least another 7 or 8% right there. Plus all those people living in a supposedly Catholic country who don't have the guts to admit they don't believe in anything, so they just hide behind being "agnostic." Honestly, it feels like that tiny, miserable 1% of atheists is what really caused all the mess—starting wars, stealing everything in sight, selling us out, and drowning everything in corruption, crime, and pure hypocrisy...
Those atheists are nothing but trouble. We should honestly pass a law against them... or kick them out... or wipe them out... or force them to convert... 😛
Look, if calling someone out for being a total pushover feels offensive to you, that’s fine. But to me, I’m just calling a spade a spade. When you see this massive group of parents hanging out in the hallways or the locker rooms, loudly complaining and venting about everything under the sun, but then they get a chance to actually speak up in an official meeting and suddenly they’re all nodding along, smiling politely, and acting totally spineless... what do you call that? Is that just a "change of heart" to you? And don't even get me started on how they mock the few brave souls who actually stand their ground and say what they mean. 😛
As for the "real sector," everyone knows what that means. If you aren't sure, just look it up. ☕ It doesn't mean other industries aren't "real"; it’s just the standard way to distinguish between people working in private industry and those on the government payroll.
So, let me get this straight: every single time someone voices an opinion that doesn't perfectly align with what a teacher says, suddenly it’s "aggressive tone"? Honestly, you just answered your own question right there regarding why parents stay quiet around educators. 🤷
And I find it pretty funny how you compared yourself and your work at $0.00 to being a doctor. It never occurred to you to compare it to anyone in a regular industry? Like, do you really think that cashier at the local CVS would rather be stuck working overtime than spending time with her kid? Or is it somehow her fault because she could have been a teacher or a surgeon if she’d just gone to school...
wanderinggardener12 said:Look, I’m speaking from experience here—straight from someone who actually works in the field. I find myself firmly against the whole concept of these graduation parties. Why should I be held responsible for kids attempting all sorts of reckless stunts? Is it really my job to go without sleep for two, three, maybe even five nights straight just to supervise them—all while praying they return home in the exact same numbers they left, ideally with their health and blood counts intact? It doesn't sit right with me. If parents want to host these things, they should handle it entirely on their own terms. I certainly didn't raise them to treat a milestone celebration as an excuse to experiment with every bad idea under the sun, so why on earth would I volunteer to stand guard over the chaos?
Educational field trips? Sure, they have their place, but only if they are treated as actual extensions of the classroom—complete with the same academic rigor, expectations, and assessments that follow any other lesson. If someone chooses not to participate, well, that is their prerogative; they will simply have to master the curriculum through other means. It might be a less vivid way to learn, but they’ll eventually get the same information as everyone else. In my school district, we made sure that no student was ever left behind due to financial constraints; whether it was the cost of the charter bus or the museum admission, we always found a way to make it work so every kid could join. However, there was one non-negotiable rule: anyone who went on these trips was expected to behave like they were sitting in a lecture hall and actually retain what was taught. It didn't matter who picked up the tab for the ticket or the transportation; once you are out there learning, you are a student, period.
Sixteen theater productions over eight years? Fine, I suppose that’s acceptable. Even having theater programs within schools is perfectly fine, though we have to be honest about the quality—there are very few performances out there actually suited for older students, much less the facilities themselves. And as for these school drama clubs? Don't make me laugh. Do people truly believe that a classroom hobby is the same thing as legitimate theatrical art, or that it serves as some kind of meaningful model through which children can actually experience the craft and learn the nuances of stagecraft? If you want to talk about youth drama workshops, sure, let's talk about those—but they should be treated as an entirely different pursuit altogether, driven by a completely different purpose.
Fast food joints like McDonald's—that’s just not how you handle this. It could be an exception, sure, but it should always stay strictly optional. Personally, I wouldn't dream of taking my kids into any of those greasy, unhealthy establishments. But if a teacher insists on it for a class outing? Well, that's a different conversation entirely. $0.00 If parents can actually reach an agreement on letting their kids head out to some social gathering or activity they’ve picked for themselves, I honestly see nothing but good in that. Is it really such a monumental task to just let them follow their own interests? If they're on the same page, why fight it?
Is this a movie review? Hardly. It’s more like a formal reception for a piece of performance art. I find myself wondering if the people taking these tests actually bothered to mention who didn't attend the screening, though I doubt it. And as for those who were there—attending simply because their parents insisted it was part of their curriculum—well, why wouldn't they be included in the tally?
Everything ultimately boils down to the Teacher’s Council, the School Board, and the Parent-Teacher Association. Nothing happens within those school walls without passing through all three of those layers first. On top of that, the Department of Education maintains a very specific list of approved performances and events, essentially providing a guide on what is vetted and what is strictly discouraged; because of that, those three local groups don't have the final say unless the Department gives their blessing.
So, what’s the actual issue here? Is it the exceptions? If that's the case, then perhaps it’s time to address them within your own school districts.
Honestly, I really don't know... It feels like people here act like every single high school senior is part of some mindless zombie horde, where all they care about is getting wasted, smoking, breaking things, and ending up in a jail cell or the ER. 🤷 I’ve heard so many stories about graduation trips that go perfectly fine without any drama at all... Sure, I’ve heard about the ones where everything goes south, but I’ve never gotten the impression that's the rule.
Fast food places like McDonald's—that shouldn't be the move. It could be an exception, but it should be optional. Personally, I would never take kids to unhealthy fast food spots. But if a teacher wants to (for $0.00 a little extra cash) take the class somewhere they actually choose, and if the parents are on board, I think that's great.
For a second there, I actually thought you were being well-meaning. But then, of course, you had to mention that the teacher is doing it "for $0.00 a bit of extra cash". 😉 Should we be paying teachers more just to take kids to McDonald's? Of course not. It always comes back to money... As soon as an educator does anything "for $0.00 a little extra cash," suddenly everyone acts like they deserve a monument built in their honor... 🧐
Do you have any idea what people working regular jobs in the private sector do $0.00 for a little extra cash? Or even just for their salary? They’re just happy to have a job. And if they actually love what they do and find it fulfilling, they aren't out there rubbing it in anyone's face.
A movie trip for a grade? No. An appreciation of art? Yes. I'm pretty sure the kids taking the test weren't all people who skipped the movies. And for those who went, and for whom it was considered an educational outing by their parents, why not?
So, half the class goes and the other half takes a test? What about the rest? Are they just sitting there picking their noses and staring out the window? 😕 And what about the kids whose parents might want them to go, but the budget just isn't there? Does every parent need to have the same amount of disposable income? Does experiencing art really have to be tied to scraping for a grade?
So, what’s actually the issue here? These exemptions? Honestly, just handle them at the school district level.
I mean, sure, that would be a great plan if a) most parents weren't struggling just to put food on the table, and b) if they weren't terrified that standing up for what they believe in would end up hurting their kids in the long run. 😉
Brenda Ruiz3 said:No, I am talking about the parents—you know the type—who, the moment their kid gets a grade they aren't thrilled with, head straight to the Department of Education to file a formal complaint... though, naturally, it’s always some carefully curated version of the truth that bears zero resemblance to reality. Then, of course, the authorities send out an inspector to harass and intimidate every single teacher involved. It has happened more times than I care to count—I'm certainly not making this up—and eventually, people just reach a breaking point where they have to cave...
But you really think other professions don't deal with inspections? Honestly, my job involves being audited by several different agencies—regularly, and sometimes out of the blue if someone thinks something's off. Every time an inspection happens, I have to drag half the office into it just to gather enough data to document everything I've been doing. It’s not just me getting "harassed," it’s practically half the company. And honestly? Nobody is actually afraid of an audit, as long as you're doing your job right.
Are you saying you think educators and their work shouldn't be subject to any kind of oversight or check-ups at all?
copperheron18 said:Look, there is a massive gap between what happened 30 or 40 years ago and what is happening today; any rational person can see that. Back in the day, a professor was highly respected—a doctor was even more so. People used to bring gifts (bribes, let's call them 😁) because those professions were held in the highest esteem. You had the elite tier: the teacher, the doctor, the lawyer. You simply cannot compare the past to the present while my sister-in-law is working now. So much has shifted in the interim—economic instability, social shifts—which has left many people on edge, causing them to lash out at anyone within reach. The current state of society is just different, and while it affects teachers heavily because they deal with such diverse groups, it isn't limited to them.
It is not the same thing to be a teacher at a prestigious prep school where the kids are decent, actually want to learn, pay attention, care about their grades, and come from educated, cultured families. It's an entirely different universe compared to teaching at a three-year vocational school populated mostly by delinquents who lack basic vocabulary, manners, or any sense of decorum.
Middle schools are essentially a volatile mix of both extremes, and no one can dispute that. Being a teacher at a top-tier academy (specifically the one I attended, though many others are similar) is, in my opinion, a fantastic career. But being a teacher at some vocational school (I won't name names to avoid offense) is 🙂
My aunt isn't some ancient relic from the Stone Age; she’s a living, breathing woman who retired just a few years back. So yeah, she knows plenty about wars, unemployment, veterans, PTSD, and all that heavy stuff. And she wasn't even a high school professor; she was an elementary school teacher. 😉 What I find funny is that while she was working, she complained about everything under the sun—her paycheck, her working conditions, the color of the classroom walls, even how guys nowadays wear their hair too long. But I have never, ever heard her moan once about people not respecting her profession. 🙂
Look, nobody’s saying crazy, aggressive, or totally unhinged parents don't exist. But the way people talk about it makes it sound like being a high school history teacher is actually more dangerous than being a soldier deployed in Afghanistan.
My mother-in-law actually admitted that even in her 40s, she’s only had a handful of real conflicts with her own parents. And that’s over her entire lifetime. Mind you, this woman is basically the gold medalist of playing the victim and complaining about every little thing under the sun.
Michael Miller39 said:It’s the exact same thing for me, though it feels like I'm writing this myself (except there were only two of us, my sister and I 🙂).
I'd always get a little bit of pocket money (my sister would usually pay back at least part of it, but I never did 😬).
We actually used to "earn" our own way back in school—collecting old scrap paper, making stuff to sell, mostly to our own relatives 🤣, or putting on shows and charging for tickets. But the whole point was learning that money doesn't just grow on trees—which is a much better approach than just telling a kid straight up that they can't have something because money doesn't grow on trees. 😲 😲 😲 That way, you actually grasp that money comes if you work for it. It seems to me that most of the parents posting here have completely forgotten that lesson. edit: OMG, I just realized that even back then, we were basically little capitalists😂
Kudos to you guys for recycling all that paper, but as far as everything else goes, it sounds like you just learned how to hustle people with cheap tricks. It sounds like you think you don't actually have to earn anything since you can always just sell a kidney—or at least find some rich uncle who'll buy whatever nonsense you're peddling. 😛
That whole thing about people refusing to give up their seat on the subway or the bus? Honestly, I remember seeing that back in my day too, way back when 🙈...
Kids really just turn out to be a reflection of how they were raised—and I don’t just mean by their parents, but by society as a whole. It makes me wonder, though. If we were all such paragons of virtue and respect toward our elders during our own time, how on earth did we manage to raise entire generations of entitled bullies? 🤔
We all know there are plenty of people out there who are actually decent and conscientious. But things get messy the second you point out that some folks just don't play by those rules. 😉
Honestly, looking at what was said earlier, it feels like we’re living in a society full of stuck-in-their-ways types. It seems like almost every time someone mentions making a change or shares a positive experience from somewhere else, it immediately turns into an argument or people getting all defensive and prideful. Most of us can see that the current school system is basically broken—it just churns out kids who have no drive and zero skills—but whenever anyone even suggests fixing it, it leads to a total public outcry or a massive union revolt.
Patrick Grant14 said:Look, you see it as an annoyance—you think they're doing too much—but frankly, I find it wonderful that they actually engage with the children, trying to cheer them up and entertain them, only to show it all off to proud parents. We have a performance tomorrow; I can hardly wait to see how the little ones react watching the teachers and the older kids perform. What you mentioned regarding it feeling more like an orphanage than a daycare applies strictly to those staff members who just feed them, put them to sleep, and wait impatiently for parents to pick them up—not to those who go through the effort of organizing workshops and plays. After all, a daycare is an educational institution, not a soup kitchen or a boarding house.
But hey, I suppose a hundred different people will always have a hundred different opinions.🤷
Look, a preschool isn't a halfway house, but parents aren't puppets either—we shouldn't just jump whenever someone pulls a string. First off, half of those "fun activities" are really just self-promotion for the school and the teachers. Second, these shows aren't planned out weeks in advance; they just drop a notice on the parents overnight. And don't even get me started on the "special outfits" they request. It’s a local preschool play, not an Off-Broadway production! It’s expensive, most of the kids won't care, and let's be real—they'll probably never wear those clothes again.
And yeah, there’s also that whole issue regarding the cashiers skimming money, among other things... 😉
It’s funny how you can question the expertise or skills of pretty much any other profession, but teachers? Not so much (well, maybe doctors too). What are they, some kind of sacred cows? 😕 By default, they're just wonderful, noble, conscientious, and highly capable—basically saints and martyrs. Every word they say is gospel, and everything they do is perfectly justified and exactly how it should be... 🙄
Teachers are people, plain and simple, and you’ll find all sorts of personalities in the mix. I see people complaining here about how miserable they are during high school graduations, dealing solo with hordes of wild teenagers whose entire life purpose seems to be making a teacher's life a living hell. Come on, guys... let's be real. Of course there are bad ones; there always have been. You think other jobs don't deal with their own share of nonsense? You'd be surprised... And yet, people don't whine about them nearly as much. Think about how many graduations actually go smoothly without a hitch? But you don't hear about those. Or how many teachers just mind their own business and ignore whatever drama the kids are pulling? (I had teachers like that. For example, during my final week of senior year, I only saw my homeroom teacher maybe 2 or 3 times. That was because we actually went looking for her. 🤷))
Teachers work with other people's kids. So, yeah, you'd expect their work to be under a microscope by parents. But nope—we can nitpick the lady stocking shelves at Target or criticize the clerk at the DMV for every little thing just because they woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Yet, when it comes to teachers, people act like they should just hand over their children and never once question what these people are doing with them. 😕
For instance, what bugs me most about the teachers at our daycare is how they sometimes act like they're running an orphanage instead of a preschool. It's like these kids don't even have parents. They don't ask for our input or permission; they just present us with a finished decision. Look, I get it—it's busy, there are tons of kids and parents, and you can't please everyone. It's easier for an individual to follow the group than to try and change it. But sometimes they really cross the line. They'll organize workshops for parents or some big performance right when most of us are barely getting off work, or they'll give us a day's notice and then act all offended because nobody showed up, claiming we're "uninterested" or whatever. Give me a break... 😢
And honestly, a teacher who knows some kids in class come from lower-income families but decides to organize a trip to McDonald's just leaves me baffled. What was the thought process there? Some moms might not even allow junk food in the first place. 🤷 Regardless, that should be the parent's call. And if the teacher stepped back, what would happen? Then we'd be facing the issue of $6.75 which some people here seem to downplay (though I honestly wish they could feel, just once, what it's like to have only 20 or $17 bucks in your wallet and having to decide what's actually important), it would just be a matter of parental rights deciding for their child. Would that even make a difference? I don't think so. The point is, the teacher should have just thought a bit more about the potential fallout of deciding to take the kids to McDonald's.
I honestly can’t stand being part of a social circle where everyone acts too "high class" to admit they're broke. You know the type—people who would rather starve than admit they can't afford something. It’s all about appearances, where looking fancy at McDonald's somehow matters more than actually having enough food on the table for your family tomorrow. 😢
As far as respect goes, it’s usually a two-way street. It’s like how much teachers respect parents, and how much those parents give back to them. It works both ways.
And honestly? The kid isn't the one at fault here. We can't really expect a ten-year-old to navigate all the subtle traps and unwritten rules of the adult world—especially when most adults are just winging it and don't really get it themselves.
Kate Cox2 said:Well, of course she traveled; she had to lead the students on field trips! But let's be clear: teachers aren't getting paid extra through the kids. It’s actually built into the way American travel agencies structure their packages—they bake the cost of the guide and the teacher's supervision into the total price of the trip itself.
The reality is that kids can't just wander off on a school trip by themselves. And honestly, believe me when I say that many teachers would much rather skip the travel entirely than deal with the grueling reality of being responsible for 20 or 30 children in a different city or state from dawn until dusk.
I never said they were all like that. But some definitely are. I know the agencies pay them, but it's easy to sit around and philosophize about where one could travel and what sights to see when you aren't paying for it out of your own pocket. 😉
She never actually went on vacations with her family using her own money. While they were stuck at home, she was out traveling with her students—sometimes as a regular traveler, sometimes just acting as a chaperone. Honestly, she doesn't even pretend otherwise; she openly admits she didn't want to deal with the hassle of organizing things for her own family. 🤷
Kenneth Brown5 said:The teacher caught my mom's mistake, and honestly, there’s really no point in getting all worked up over "what ifs" or playing the blame game, so let's just stick to what actually happened—there's no sense in making a big deal out of nothing!
Even his teacher didn't quite see the writing on the wall, because the little guy mentioned earlier that they were heading out to Taco Bell tonight.
If I were stepping into that mother's shoes, honestly, I’d probably be feeling just as torn as she is, kind of like trying to pick between saving a few bucks at Target or making sure everyone's happy with a fancy dinner. It’s such a tricky spot to be in, you know?
Was my mom wrong? 😕
🤦
Is it really my mom's fault that the teacher didn't give them enough heads-up? I mean, what was she supposed to do? Go knocking on all her friends' and relatives' doors the night before a field trip just to scramble together some cash? Give me a break...
Honestly, here’s how I’d handle it. I’d just be straight up with her. I’d tell her that nobody needs to be blindsided by last-minute news like that. And look, my kid isn't an orphan—they have both a mom and a dad who actually care. You don't just spring stuff on people; you ask for permission or at least try to coordinate with the parents first. It’s just common sense, right?
Kevin Bailey2 said:No. But that’s a completely different conversation.
The issue here is strictly what went down inside that McDonald's and the fallout from that specific action.
The bottom line is they took all the kids to McDonald's together. Anything outside of that is a separate issue that doesn't really impact what happened at the restaurant, nor is it even particularly relevant right now. And honestly, isolating one single kid in a situation like that would be pretty pathetic and just plain inhumane. That's why the teacher did the right thing.
Why she was taking kids to McDonald's in the first place has nothing to do with what actually happened once they were there. It was definitely stupid to give parents such short notice about the McDonald's trip. But that isn't an excuse to let one kid suffer by watching everyone else eat and play with their toys while he sits there spinning sticks with Nutella on them.
If some parent wants to stick to their "isolation" principles and thinks "it's not that big a deal"... fine, they can isolate themselves. But forcing that on a child and downplaying the problem is incredibly reckless and irresponsible. This wasn't a case where isolation was necessary because there were other, much easier ways to handle it, which meant the kid didn't end up left out. Trying to force a kid to be isolated at any cost is just twisted.
The teacher had every right to give the kid money for his Happy Meal. She did a good thing there. There's no reason to judge her for it.
As for why she gave late notice about McDonald's or why they go on trips so often... that's a different story. Let them hash that out at a PTA meeting, in the principal's office, or at the Department.
The thing is, this whole mess wouldn't even be happening if it wasn't for all those things you mentioned that belong in a different thread. So...
Nobody is actually calling for isolating kids here. But let's be real—the teacher's own actions are what created this awkward situation in the first place. Borrowing money from a kid? That’s a huge red flag and definitely doesn't excuse the lapses in judgment that led us here. On top of that, she’s now demanding the cash back without even checking with the parents first to see if it was okay to borrow it in the first place.
Honestly, I really dislike it when people try to back others into a corner like this. It feels rude, arrogant, and pretty condescending. To me, it mostly just says a lot about the person doing it...
Kenneth Brown5 said:And who exactly in this scenario is bragging about having money? Is it the other parents who already paid for the bus and the McDonald's?
Yeah, clearly the most important thing is what the neighbors will think about the mom🙄, so she was probably terrified they'd judge her if she even paid for that. It’s not like anyone cares how he actually felt in the moment☕
Now everyone is acting like the McDonald's trip was some useless extra, but for me, it's not about the burgers. Would things have been different if they had gone to the Griffith Observatory later and had to pay an entrance fee $6.75?
If he was going to go, he should have just gone all in instead of doing it in a way that draws attention to himself and puts him in such an uncomfortable spot.
I mean, was that snack really such a "must-have" educational tool? Like, would the whole field trip fail without it? Honestly, getting a last-minute notice just smells like someone being disorganized. Or, even worse, just plain lazy.
Yeah, the main thing is what the neighbors will think about Mom🙄, right? She was probably worried they'd cut off her credit line if she paid for that too—it's not like how he felt about it matters at all.☕
It’s honestly pretty sad. It's a real shame when someone prioritizes fulfilling someone else's whims over dealing with actual, real-life struggles. ☕
Now everyone's acting like the snack was unnecessary, but I don't think that's the point. Would things be any different if they had gone to the Griffith Observatory later and had to pay for that$6.75?
If they'd announced it late or out of the blue, it wouldn't matter. Besides, there should be some basic decency to coordinate with parents, instead of just dragging kids around without anyone knowing or agreeing to it first.
If he was going to go, he should have just gone all in instead of making it awkward and putting him on the spot like that.
I still haven't gotten an answer: would a museum or a gallery lose its educational value just because they didn't get snacks afterward? Is this snack part of the official school curriculum?
Educators really need to wake up to the world we live in. Some people just don't have money to throw around for extras. A little bit of empathy wouldn't hurt them.
Kenneth Brown5 said:I really feel like this could've been handled way differently if someone had just told the teacher the little guy would be bringing his own lunch; why do we all just assume she didn't care about the situation?
Like I mentioned before, if I ever felt like I couldn't swing those extra costs or simply didn't want to jump through those hoops just to keep up appearances, I'd never send my kid, or maybe I'd just borrow what was needed, but the whole mess happening here just wouldn't be something I'd entertain. If a family is struggling, the kids usually pick up on that vibe long before anyone makes a scene, so there was really no need to shine a spotlight on it like that.
I mean, you’d think it’s pretty obvious to any teacher that kids actually need to eat to function, right? It’s not like they can run on fumes all day. 😕 She totally blew the whole thing. Honestly, she could've had enough sense and tact to not mess it up so completely.
I’ve already said this, but if I ever felt like I couldn't—or just didn't want to—cover those extra costs for my kid, I wouldn't even send them. Or I'd just lend them the cash. Honestly, the whole situation we're dealing with here would never have been an option for me. If they're broke, kids usually pick up on that vibe pretty early anyway, so there really wasn't any need to make such a big deal out of it.
So, if a parent can't swing a trip to McDonald's, does that mean they shouldn't bother taking their kid to a museum either? Like, is a museum visit without a Happy Meal even considered "educational" or "cultured"? Does a trip to the museum basically require a stop at McDonald's just to count as part of the school curriculum or something?
Borrowing money just to buy something totally useless is actually a great parenting lesson, if you think about it. It sets such a clear example for kids. Not to mention all the snarky comments from adults that are bound to follow later: "Oh, look at that—can't even pay the electric bill on time, but suddenly there's cash to buy a kid a Happy Meal at McDonald's..." ☕ Honestly, we really are a wonderful bunch. If you don't have anything going for you, everyone just jumps at the chance to screw you over from every single angle. You can always count on someone finding something to pick at. ☕
Look, I don't think you even need to bring up the fact that money is tight. Honestly, does anyone even need to point out when they're doing well? In America, showing off your success isn't really seen as a bad thing—it’s actually pretty normal, maybe even encouraged. It's just part of the culture here. 🙄Why can't we just accept whether we have money or not as a plain old fact? It feels like everyone is constantly trying to force things, either obsessing over amassing more or desperately trying to manufacture wealth out of thin air. Why not just roll with whatever the bank balance says and stop stressing?
Kenneth Brown5 said:Hold up, are you seriously saying it's okay to weigh a kid down with the family's financial stress and expect a little one to carry that burden?
That's exactly what I meant by protecting him. We aren't talking about a new iPhone, sneakers, or summer camp here, we're talking about $6.75.
Personally, I wouldn't let a rigid principle come before my kid; I'd try my best to make sure they feel just as included as everyone else in the group.
The truth is, kids feel the weight of their family's finances whether we want them to or not, simply because they see what their classmates can afford. The real question is: should we be teaching them that it's shameful not to have enough cash for everything (especially when this specific thing is totally useless)? Should a mom have to go into debt just so a teacher doesn't end up having to tell the class, "Hey, even sandwiches are a luxury"? Should parents have to fund every single school whim just so a kid doesn't feel the gap between those who have it easy and those who don't? Honestly, instead of hiding the struggle, isn't it better to teach a child that there's no shame in living honestly on what you've got?