Observations by Key Monroe~~Home of Right Opinions, Cynical Viewpoints, and TMI in Hefty Doses
|E-mail: keymonroe [at] alltel [dot] net

July 31, 2005

First Day of School!

Tomorrow.

Miss Priss will be starting the fourth grade.

She's got the new hairdo, the freshly manicured nails, and several Limited Too outfits, among other ensembles. She also already has a sassy mouth, and spends entirely too much time on the phone.

Yes, she is ridiculously spoiled by the standards in which I was raised.

But then... I felt deprived! It wasn't justified perhaps, but feelings often aren't. Nonetheless, I did not have stylish clothes, I never saw the inside of a hair salon, and I had NO extracurricular activities, save snapping green beans out of my mother's garden.

I enjoy giving my girl the things that I wished for as a child. And I'm hoping that I've instilled enough character in her to prevent her from rotting to the core as a result. This, mind you, has not been a job that I have taken lightly.

For example, she must appreciate her niceties, or they have a tendency to disappear. So she was sure to thank me for her new clothes, even offering to assist in the laundering responsibilities.

And although her excess energy has been scattered and unnerving (at best) over the summer, she is very good to channel it for the sake of academia, being a habitual rule follower, a minder of the ma'ams, pleases, and thank you's, and a straight A student.

And so, after studying my own line of conjecture, I have reached the conclusion that I'm doing okay, even if she seems to be a total PRISS at times!

After all, there are two types of parents: 1. Those who want more for their children than they had growing up... more affection, more stuff, more smarts, more character, more confidence, etc. AND 2. Those who want NO MORE for their child than they had growing up. What was good enough for them ought to be good enough for their kid.

And I hate the latter. Because, unfortunately, time has not stood still... What kind of insecure, back woods, selfish piece of shit would want NO MORE for their child than they had growing up, you ask? I have seen the demons, and I've fed, clothed and loved their children.

So I think many of us err on the side of spoiling. And, while I loathe the philosophy that spits out undisciplined, unmannered brats, the other extreme is beyond loathing.

Another ten years... And given her personality, there is no doubt in my mind that she will give me a full report as to how well I've done with this whole parenting thing.

I can't wait.

posted by Key on 11:24 PM | Comments (9) | TrackBack (0)
Comments

There is the third type, Key. The yuppies who lavish crap on their kids as part of a competition, and yet fail to explain to their kids why they do it. The kids feel empowered without accountability, and turn into grasping little assholes. I see this all the time. No way to raise a child. Of course, I'm likely guilty.

Posted by: Velociman at August 1, 2005 12:16 AM

School starts Aug 1st? When do they get out for the summer? School starts after Labor Day here.

Posted by: livey at August 1, 2005 12:19 AM

Ok, Vman, now you know where I was at the beginning of my conjecture! I thought I reasoned myself out of it quite well though. Besides, I can't afford to ruin her.

Yes, Livey, we go Aug. 1 to the third week in May. BUT we have fall break, Christmas break, winter break (in Feb.), AND spring break.

However, if anyone even MENTIONS the whole year round thing, I will be testifying and protestifying. That be bs.

Posted by: Key at August 1, 2005 12:30 AM

I always loved the beginning of the school year...

My girls don't start for another couple of weeks.

Hope she has a wonderful day!

; )

Posted by: Christina at August 1, 2005 08:09 AM

Mine will be starting tomorrow (August 2nd). The eldest starts (gulp) middle school and the youngest, 2nd grade. Hope she has a fantastic day.

Posted by: Moogie at August 1, 2005 12:24 PM

Our school year goes from the day after Labor Day to the first week in June. With 2 weeks off for Christmas, and a week spring break. Since summer doesn't start until June around here I think it works out best for the kids.

Posted by: livey at August 1, 2005 02:40 PM

School starts Friday here. I have 2 going to high school, 2 going to elementary school, one going to college.

You won't get a full report on the parenting thing..or an accurate one until they've had kids of their own.

I want them to have some things that I had as a kid..things like the freedom and space to explore and imagine outside, but not others, that weren't such happy things to have. I want my kids to have the best of all worlds..you know?

Posted by: Kelly at August 3, 2005 08:50 AM

And I'm with you on the whole year round thing. I'll be standing there in line with you. I LOVE the school schedule they have 'round here. First of all...Aug. is the hottest month so instead of sitting on your couch eating your food, they are in school learning. May, spring fever, the worst time to have kids in school...it's time for them to be out. They better not change the schedule, that's all I have to say!

Posted by: Kelly at August 3, 2005 08:53 AM

On the other hand, wouldn't it be better for both parents and children (especially the children) if they cut out the summer breaks and graduated high school at 14 or 15? It would effectively add 3-4 years to their lives... not a bad deal, when you get right down to it.

Posted by: Ken at August 3, 2005 06:03 PM
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