http://www.pbs.org/onlyateacher/today8.html
“We don't like our kids. This is a country, this is a nation of people who don't like their kids.” ~
Frank McCourt
Is this true, U.S.A.? Do we really not like our kids? It seems like such a juxtaposition; we live in a country with an extraordinary amount of resources for (wealthy) infertile couples who want to have children, we offer our children extracurricular activities ranging from baseball practice to yoga. Yet, having recently finished my first year as a teacher, McCourt has touched a raw nerve. He's right, we don't like our kids.
If we did, I wouldn't have had to advise a student on whether or not he was ready for his first kiss. Or give up part of my lunch to make sure that one of my female students ate something every day. Or have to explain to one of my students the difference between a true friend and an enemy. Don't get me wrong, I know that compassion is part of being an effective teacher. However, there's only so much that one teacher can do with the limited resources. Some days, it really does seem like many of my students' parents just don't like their kids. Thoughts? Comments?
