Messages By: painterse

I'm surprised that more people have not disciplined other people's children.  I should say, 'correct' other people's children.  I cannot tell you how many children I have had to correct in the baby pool this summer when they were splashing away, swimming in the 8 inches of water that was supposed to be for toddlers and they are school age children.  I don't know where their parents are and I don't feel like it's my job to go get them.  I just ask them to stop doing whatever it is that's bothering the toddlers.  The other toddlers' parents are thankful that I've spoken up.  I've done this at playgrounds as well.  If parents would take more involvement in their child's well being they would be more intuned to realizing when their child is annoying others.  I don't think you can sit back and allow your child to run wild, while bothering others and consider yourself a good parent.  It's not my job to find you to tell you that your child is obnoxious.  My job is to protect my children and ensure they have a pleasant experience, in spite of your child.   

I agree that we need to be considerate of others when we breastfeed in public.  However, we should never, ever be shunned away to nasty restrooms or hot cars to feed our children.  It's that type of mentality that pressures new moms to choose formula over breast feeding.  We should do everything we can to support breastfeeding mothers.  As far as those people who think that I should pump at home and pack a bottle just so you don't have to be uncomfortable, get over yourself!   

Those of us who breastfeed know that trying to give your baby a bottle when he knows that you have the 'goods' right there doesn't work well.   

I personally thought the 'debate' that I witnessed on Dr. Phil was ridiculous.  Obviously, it's Dr. Phil's show and he can stack the deck any which way he wants on his show.  However, as a homeschool parent, I thought the representation of homeschooling was pathetic.  It's just like when different cable news shows put on a token 'Christian' and they put some whack job who everyone knows is going to come off like a looney toon, but America's going to think that's what the Bible believing Christians think.  That's what happened on Dr. Phil.  Where was a typical homeschool parent or representative who could spew out the statistics on the success of homeschooling? 

I am a licensed educator who taught for many years in public school.  I am certified to teach talented and gifted children as well.  I saw what the North Carolina schools had to offer my child on a daily basis.  I saw all the 'expertise and socialization' that Dr. Phil spoke of on his show.  I saw it all, and we decided that we will homeschool our children. 

I saw the love of learned snuffed out of children with the excessive focus on 'No Child Left Behind' and the testing that ensues from that type of propaganda.  I saw bright children bored to death while the children who struggled getting all of the extra programs and attention.  The smart children can hang on while we bring up the rear.  It's not the teachers' faults.   They bust their butts to do the best they can.  It's a numbers game and I just don't want to sacrifice my children for the rest. 

Some people don't have the choice to homeschool, but that doesn't mean that those of who are willing to sacrifice a second paycheck should be made to be the villian.  We catch enough flack from the family and friends around us about our financial choices/sacrifices, we don't need it from strangers. 

I expect a better debate where everyone is prepared to bring their best.  We all know that no one is going to change anyone's mind, but if both sides are well prepared, it will be a good show.