Today is Mike's first full day of teaching for the new year. Since we both work in education our lives really revolve by the school year more so than the calender year. The above planner by An Artful Agenda is perfect for kids or other people who live August to August. It has full page artwork from 10 different artists in a handy purse size.
I'm always a bit resentful of Mike when summer comes around since he has several months off right when I'm busiest at work. But come August when he goes back to work I have to start doing my share of the cooking and dishes again so there is a pay off.
My job is starting to calm down a bit since classes started for us on Monday. But if I hear one more student complain about having a 1 hour break in their schedule and wanting me to fix it I may lose it on them. I tell them to eat lunch or study and they look at me like I'm crazy. This freshman class is really making me feel old and crotchety for the first time. It started when I looked down and saw one of their birthdays on an application. They were actually born in 1991, the year I graduated high school. And there really is a different mindset in this group of kids. They were born with a cell phone in their pocket and are so much more watched over than we ever were. Hence the nickname for their parents, helicopter parents, since they are constantly hovering over them and doing things for them that they should be able to do for themselves.
I was venting to another advisor yesterday about how needy they were and I felt like I was becoming that old person complaining about "kids these days." I realized a few years ago that I had more in common and related better to their parents than the kids. Since I've always worked with college age kids this struck me as weird. I do think that working on a college campus helps me to stay youthful and up on the styles which is a good thing for my business. I just need to keep this in mind when they start driving me crazy!
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10 comments:
Oh how well I can relate to gripes about helicopter parents and the irresponsibility of their children!
Complaints about a one hour break? There were semesters I had classes at nine, noon, and then six in the evening! Learn the refrain, "You get what you get and you don't throw a fit"
We had breaks in our schedules and WE LIKED IT! LOL! I've got two teens and I say everyday how spoiled they are. Mine are annoying enough, I can't imagine dealing with bunch of them ALL day. Yikes!
Hekicopter parents is sooo right! I realize that we are much more aware of the many dangers to our children and, consequently, we are more protective but where is the line? I think we have raised too many kids that have no idea how to make a decision or fend for themselves. They also have no concept of consequences either. Only "mommy said"!
Aw, I hope it doesn't get to you too badly. Maybe after a few days they will stop whining.
Yes, I can totally relate, too. Even though I'm older than you, I'm only just realizing the differences between the generations. Imagine always having had the Internet! It blows my mind sometimes. I confess I have been a helicopter parent, and don't really ever know how to stay balanced. Sigh.
Oh my gosh Paige, that's SO funny because I say that about my students...and they're elementary age, but I can already tell. (well, at my last school anyway in a more affluent neighborhood) The parents are horrible! And they don't think they are which is the sad part. You are enabling your kids- making them dependent, irresponsible and they can't even think for themselves. I always had a sign in my room that said, "Before you ask me, first think, then turn to a buddy, THEN if you still don't know ask me". God, to have to actually TELL someone to think. Sigh. I feel your pain.
P.S. I took a NAP when I had an hour break. Are naps uncool these days?
You are one of the unsung heroes of our times and without you our kids will not learn how to read. Just remember this every time you those helicopter parents starts to annoy you :)
btw, thank you for the follow @ Twitter Paige.
@MaricrisG
I tutor kids that age, and I know how you feel :)
I think it's strange that the parents insist on dropping them off at my house by car, when actually they only live a bike-ride away!
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