/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:”Table Normal”;
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:””;
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:”Times New Roman”;
mso-ansi-language:#0400;
mso-fareast-language:#0400;
mso-bidi-language:#0400;}
Normal
0
false
false
false
MicrosoftInternetExplorer4
You might not agree with any of the sides in a debate
as much as you support one. The teachers’ strike that started in June 2014
lasted into October. This was a grim reminder for parents of their helplessness in the power struggles between
the politics of society and the politics of its unions. Finally when teachers
were back in class the sense of relief was accompanied by renewed awareness: we
– parents – have a considerable responsibility to keep our eyes open to make
sure our interests are not compromised.
A few years ago when our daughter was in grade three
we’ve already had a short exchange with her teacher. Last year, with another teacher, there wasn’t
much discussion on that topic but we had a sense that there’s still something going
on. Not too bad: our daughter is really careful and responsible. When it comes
to school and candies, school and sweets, I’ve noticed that the challenge of
keeping our kids away from stuffing themselves is a complex one. We have
Halloween and Christmas, this event and that. And we have teachers handing
candies as rewards in class.
I’m sure we all want to see our kids encouraged by
their educators to excel. But again, I don’t enjoy the realization that candies
are used as rewards by teachers. For me and my wife candies and sweets should
stay out of the toolbox. When I say toolbox, I mean the various methods
teachers use to engage with students in class.
I would be more than happy to realize all parents,
staff and admin agree with us. However, reality usually has its own way of
living. There is a debate over this issue that can be seen through quick
browsing on the web. The following is a small sampling.
“As parents, we help our kids develop the lens
through which they see food. Will they see snacks as something to do when they
watch TV or are bored or will they snack as a way to refuel between meals? Will
they seek sweets as a reward for their hard work or look for other constructive
ways to feel good?” (source)
saying, ‘Here is something that is not very healthy for you as a reward for
being good.’ Does this make sense?” (source)
Many kids, maybe to a degree all kids, see school and
teachers as a source of authority even if one to challenge. The use of candy as
reward is nutritionally unhealthy and morally questionable. Rewarding with
candy can backfire on many levels in the future. However, my guess is that this
topic is one that parents and educators alike are a bit confused with, maybe
embarrassed or even unaware of its importance.
Nevertheless keeping this discussion open and ongoing
is an opportunity to better understanding between us, members of a fragmented
community with a mutual interest: successful growth and development of our kids.
Normal
0
false
false
false
MicrosoftInternetExplorer4