Posts by Austin Martin9

Larry Walker24 said:it's already past midnight

that's why I was just up at that hour myself

Ironic, considering this was posted in the afternoon... 😛

OT: since we're critiquing the forum, I'm not a fan of this Facebook plugin.

The bullying definitely ramped up by the time I hit fourth grade. Back then, I mostly hung out with the girls in my class. In fifth grade, a new kid transferred in from another school, and we hit it off immediately—we’re actually still friends to this day. While things got a bit more intense from fifth through eighth grade, it was easier to stand my ground knowing I had a real friend in my corner. 🙂

Susan James said:Signed,
By the way, I honestly think any child can learn to read, write, do math, or memorize the seasons and months by age four, five, six, or seven if they get enough practice.

To me, the most important thing is that a child develops a genuine hunger for learning. They should be curious, learning through play (which is basically their full-time job!), and figuring out how to handle both wins and losses. It's about giving them space to express their feelings and thoughts while also learning how to respect others.
Before I send my kid off to tackle academic facts, I really want them to know how to stand up for themselves, resolve conflicts, take responsibility for their own stuff, cross the street safely, and maybe even grab something at the grocery store.

Honestly, between the rigid structure of school and the way some parents take over homework—doing the work *for* the kid instead of *with* them—it feels like the system is practically designed to kill a child's natural drive to learn. That's why I feel it's so important to wait as long as possible, especially if the little one is still deeply in that playful phase.
Of course, if they aren't being drilled with worksheets in preschool, then the timing matters a bit less...

@pink, you didn't mention—what does he actually think about school? Does he even realize what it is or what happens there? Does he show any interest in going, or does he ever engage in pretend "school" play?

I don't remember much about preschool, but I know for a fact my teachers labeled me the most social kid in class. Because of that, at age six, I was actually the one pushing to start elementary school. I was eager to learn, work, and make friends—I couldn't wait. (Worst decision ever.) My school was marketed as a "non-violence" zone. I stayed focused in class and pulled straight A's without trying. Socially, however, I was a target. Being the youngest and physically small, I was bullied constantly, which wrecked my self-esteem. My classmates were true sociopaths; they were smart enough to hide their bullying from teachers and parents, while threatening me that if I told anyone, I'd be finished. I did tell my parents, and after a parent-teacher conference, things would be quiet for a bit, only for the beatings to resume a week or two later. Eventually, my older brother settled it once and for all by physically taking those bullies to task. In that specific case, force solved the issue because no one touched me again. So, to parents out there: based on my own experience, maybe don't rush a six-year-old into school. Most of the "friends" I made were just kids a grade below me, and I felt like I belonged better there. Then again, violence might not have been the answer if a school psychologist had actually done their job. This isn't a universal rule, as schools vary, but I should note that this particular school was highly rated and located right in downtown Chicago. I won't name names. Peace!

Jonathan Thomas5 said:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQ683zlrUSI
This is quite an interesting perspective... turns out there's more to the story than we thought...

Classic. Still holds up perfectly. 👍

The first ones I remember loving when I was younger are still some of my all-time favorites: The Doors - Riders on The Storm. These were also staples in my household; I always thought this one was great too: Dire Straits - Walk of Life