Since the beginning of kindergarten, I've been trying, almost demanding, a few things for Isaiah. I've tried to get him the things he needs. I've put my time, energy, resources (the fancy word for money) into getting him what he requires to succeed. After the births of both boys I advocated to keep them off of formula. I practice the little things with Josiah. I balance my checkbook. I try to be responsible with my dollars. I pay my bills. I do the laundry. I cook dinner from scratch 95% of the time. I am a good mom. I'm a good person. I am good, but I am tired.
I don't remember learning anything practical in school. I remember math and reading and lunch. I remember my friends. I remember graduation. I don't remember learning how to balance my checkbook, or how to do the laundry, or how to navigate doctor's offices and school officials. The last time I checked bribery wasn't technically legal. Extortion is certainly not. I don't think I can blackmail anyone.
Often, applicants come in to explain themselves to me. You'd be surprised to know that 8 out of 10 high school graduates that come in to see my have a misdemeanor from a little less than five days after their 18th birthday. They didn't know that it would be on their record for at least seven years and they didn't know that marijuana would get them in that much trouble.
What I'm saying is...why don't they teach these things in school?! Why didn't they say that the washing machine only needs one scoop of soap, that your checkbook is linked to your social security number and bouncing checks does not mean throwing your checkbook across the parking lot to see if it literally bounces, or that the pimentos are found next to the sherry?! They never actually said that childbirth hurts. They never said sex feels good. They never said you should use condoms or you will get chlamydia and that sucks, too. They tell you not to smoke, but never give you a visual. They never tell you that when your children are born you are forced to walk with your insides on the outside. They never say if you pay your rent late just three times you will be denied from any other apartment. They never said that marriage is hard. They never said that people skills are more important than literature. They never said history repeats itself.
Why don't we teach this practical stuff?! It will start with me. I will teach my sons this important information. Please do the same. It will help them in real life.
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I think that parents are suppose to be open and honest with their children. I think a lot of parents think they are helping their children bu not talking to their children about things, when really it does hurt them.
ReplyDeleteI was not talked about sex, my af, bad touching, abuse,depression, etc..
We have vowed as parents to break many cycles from our past. I get very upset knowing what my parents allowed to let happen.
What point do you say they are only doing what they were taught? I think many people say I don't like how I was raised but raise their children the same way. They don't have the strength to change them.