Different Standards
My 6-year-old son made a really good friend at school and the two of them hatched up a plan to get together at one or the other's house. "That's not the way it works," I explained to my son. "Plans have to be made through your parents. You can't just invite your friend over by yourself. Your mommy or your daddy has to call his mommy or daddy and arrange a time when we're all not busy." That's our stated family policy, and my son understands it now.
So, I called this other boy's mother to compare calendars for a future playdate. Her response was surprising. "Why don't you just take Tyler home with you after school on Monday? The boys can play at your house."
Huh? You want me, a complete stranger, to take your 6-year-old son home? Really? I absolutely do not understand the mentality of a parent who would hand over their child to someone they do not know. Obviously, if they did know me then there would be nothing for them to worry about. But they don't know me, and they are not worried. To me, that is not only surprising, it's downright troubling.
As a parent, part of my job description is to protect my children so that they can play, learn, and grow without fear. I see too many parents who seem to be shirking this responsibility. And when you point it out to them, they aren't concerned. I had initially explained to her that we don't allow my son to go alone anywhere, so she knew where I stood on that point. And still she suggested that I take her son.
This is just one of many examples of low parenting standards that I see all around me. I do not believe my standards are ridiculously high. I believe I am simply doing what is right for my kids. Why more parents don't want to do this is beyond me.
So, I called this other boy's mother to compare calendars for a future playdate. Her response was surprising. "Why don't you just take Tyler home with you after school on Monday? The boys can play at your house."
Huh? You want me, a complete stranger, to take your 6-year-old son home? Really? I absolutely do not understand the mentality of a parent who would hand over their child to someone they do not know. Obviously, if they did know me then there would be nothing for them to worry about. But they don't know me, and they are not worried. To me, that is not only surprising, it's downright troubling.
As a parent, part of my job description is to protect my children so that they can play, learn, and grow without fear. I see too many parents who seem to be shirking this responsibility. And when you point it out to them, they aren't concerned. I had initially explained to her that we don't allow my son to go alone anywhere, so she knew where I stood on that point. And still she suggested that I take her son.
This is just one of many examples of low parenting standards that I see all around me. I do not believe my standards are ridiculously high. I believe I am simply doing what is right for my kids. Why more parents don't want to do this is beyond me.
Permalink posted by Idaho Dad at 11:29 PM
2 Comments:
I agree, my wife and I are constantly amazed at some of the things other parents do (or don't do). Of course, we also wonder if other parents are saying similar things about us.
Regardless, there's no way I would let one of my kids go over to a stranger's house, even a classmate's.
Russ
http://dailyyak.blogspot.com
I "embarass" my 15yr old step-daughter all the time with my insistance that I talk with her friends parents when she make plans to go to their house. She also hate the fact that I will actually get out of the car, go to the door and EVEN TALK TO HER FREINDS PARNETS IN PERSON when I pick her up from their homes.
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