Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Are parenting classes offered in most states?

I had a parent ask if I had children today (I'm a teacher) after we discussed the problems HER son is having. Of course I was insulted by the fact that she insinuated I'm somehow unqualified to teach/understand her child. Since when did getting knocked up make someone more qualified than 4 years of college (plus gobs of workshops) to teach? Do parents forget that we are with their children 8 hours a day? We KNOW how they perform in school. While these same children are apparently saints at home and NEVER lie, they're not at school. So my question, after this rant, is if there are parenting classes offered that people are actually taking. If so, what are they learning? Are they learning that empty threats and a lack of consequences are hurting their children? Are they learning that they too must have expectations for their children? Are they learning that it's important to give their children responsibilities? That popping a DVD in the VAN is NOT quality time? I'm curious.Are parenting classes offered in most states?
I would think that parenting classes are offered in most states through their local community colleges or community centers. The problem is that some parents consider themselves as ';experts'; just because they have one or more children and are threatened taking advice from people who are experienced with many children. I have taught preschool/kindergarten for over 12 year, have my B.A. in child psychology, M.A. in early childhood education, and continue to educate myself through workshops and E.C.E classes. I have had over 500 students between the ages of 3 and 6. I don't have children. Tell me I'm not qualified! I have never once learned about using empty threats, not using consequences, not having expectations, not giving responsibilities, or to spend quality time by popping in a DVD. I am saddened by parents who do. I have had several parents (here and elsewhere) feel threatened by me when offering advice. I answer a lot of the same types of behavioral problem questions, those that I have had much experience with. I am amazed at the advice other parents give! I once answered a question about a 4 year-old biter. I advised to use a natural consequence (I won鈥檛 go in detail) that works for me every time I have a biter. The parent picked someone who told them to bite their child back as the best answer! I think some parents should look into taking some classes.Are parenting classes offered in most states?
It is because the precious saint child has mommy and daddy wrapped right around their finger. I understand that the teacher is with the child for most of the day knows what the child is doing and causing during that time and that I am not there to see. Now I have had teachers that lied about what I was or was not doing, but it eventually came out when a bunch of parents were fed up.





As for your question parents these days are taught not to spank or give a slap on the wrist because it is abuse, and some parents take it to far and the child ends up ruling the house. Of course a child is behaving when they are getting there way.
I'm wondering if she reacted to you the way she did because of the way you told her about her son's inappropriatness. Yousound like you have an attitude and I certainly would have reacted in a similar manner. I understand you have had 4 years of schooling to ';teach'; you how to deal with children. I can also tell you that first hand experience is a great teacher, too. So why don't you climb down off your high horse and stop acting like the child your complaining about.
yes

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