Encourage & Educate all ready!

Thursday April 1....APRIL FOOLS DAY! A fun & beautiful day. Today is suppose to reach a record high in Indiana! 82 degrees...ahhhhh. How sweet it is!

We're in the final stages of the school year hip hip hooray! I've been thinking about all of my frustrations ....for 4 years as a full time employee at the jr. high I really had to filter myself....(HA!) and believe me, all though still out spoken I did filter! So much so I had to be put on blood pressure med. Well I'm no longer an employee of the system, I'm a mom whose kids are in the system. Given they are students there they are subject to many of the issues I struggled with as an employee. FINALLY, Kate found a voice and stood up for herself.

I find it interesting that respect needs to be taught. I've always thought that the best way to teach something was by example. It's sad that the example isn't being set. Is there an unwritten or written perhaps, rule that states children are not deserving of respect but should dish it out? Not in any of the books I read. My favorite book tells us that "the children shall lead them". (BIBLE)

Generation-ally speaking society has cast aside respect for rudeness, curtness, selfishness, judgment. What happened to killing them with kindness. Treating others the way you want to be treated. These are characteristics that cross generation lines. You can be nice to both young & old. Should you choose to not be nice then don't be shocked when you're not treated kindly.

In my opinion so many teachers have disconnected themselves from the caring aspect of child development. Having worked at the middle school level I had concerns about the adult examples that my child was exposed to, her instructors, mentors if you will. How sad. Myself as well as the students because they too were present at times witnessed whispering about other students, degrading of a students in front of the entire class, disrespectful tones being used from teacher to student, and repeated unwillingness on the part of the instructor to assist when questions came up, or provide further explanation when needed by the student. UGH!

Now...not all teachers are guilty. Not all fit the above description but it only takes one to make an impression. You call a child a cheater ...written at top of paper enough times and he'll soon believe you. Where does that rank in the realm of esteem boosting, empowering, encouraging,...educating? You call a child a "liar" enough times perhaps they'll become one. You refuse to assist them in learning enough times and eventually they'll stop doing any thing in your classroom. Why should they...when you're not holding up your end of the deal as an educator? It's not rocket science people. It's not baby sitting. You chose the profession...if you're burnt out get out. Do the kids a favor. Reevaluate why you do what you do, go be happy & rediscover your passion because if you remain you're killing the passion of many who pass through your door. These kids are impressionable and behaviors being exhibited by many educators are NOT impressive.

Adults....kids are people too. They're learning from us. If we respect them they'll respect us. If we encourage them, believe in them, they'll step up to the plate time & time again even if they strike out! But if we tell them how poorly they did while taking a swing the odds of them taking another swing are not good. We need to help them to develop their swing. It's when they are children that they will swing & miss, they'll have strike outs, but they'll also have a few base hits & RBIs and if taught well, encourage to practice & reach for the stars they just might hit it out of the ball park!

That's all for today...just had to blog :)

Take Time...it does fly by!

I can't thank my hubby enough for taking us away this spring break. Although our trip was a short one it was very much enjoyed. And I do believe by everyone. I really begged to take this trip. It's so easy to think that we have all the time in the world to do what we want to do. We put of doing the fun stuff for a time more suitable or a time when it will all be more affordable. My question is when is that time? And where is the guarentee that it will come. Now I'm not saying go into debt just to get away or have fun. But make a plan to do something together that is out of the ordinary. The big picture is this: In 4 years, God willing, we will be preparing for a high school graduation for Kathryn and Matthew will be a sophmore. They will both be entering the stage of life that we've been preparing them for for years. They will venture into this world with all the good and bad it has to offer and will make their way. The nightly snuggles are coming to an end. The desire to still hang out with the rents is going to wane soon. Seize the day, moment whatever time you get and charish it!

Today as a matter of fact is Kathryns birthday, 14! I can't believe it. She is so excited to be growin up! I was so impressed when she requested a "promise" ring from us. She's quite a young lady. Thank you God for her and for blessing us with her. Thank You for our church family and youth leaders that encourage her, her relationship with You and that lift her up. Thank you God for Kathryn!