Child 1: “I HATE YOU! I don’t like you!”
Child 2: *raises hand in a “talk to this” style*
Parent of child 1: “OI. Do you want a smack? You SHUT IT!”
…
Child running away from parent.
Parent of child: “OI! C’MERE YER LITTLE SHIT!” She looks around. “Oops, I mean, YER LITTLE SOD!”
…
Child running across grass.
Parent of child: “GEORGE! STOP BLOODY RUNNING AWAY AND GET YOURSELF ERE NOW!”
…
I have no idea if this is acceptable to hear for most parents and children out there. The above were three different incidents, albeit small incidents, heard at Noah’s school in the space of 2 days. I have watched children run out in front of cars in the car park, whilst the parent stood by and shouted (rather than actually chasing them, or even better, keeping a hold on them in the first place).
On Noah’s first day, he told me of a little boy who was spitting at him. Obviously I asked him if he mentioned it to the teacher; he had done. The child had continued, but apparently stopped after a little while. Another child in the playground, every single pick up and drop off, is riding a scoot-bike (no pedals), and repeatedly rams into parents and children. He’s hit Isaac numerous times. The mother, stood very close by, does nothing to stop him.
Maybe, just maybe, I set my standards too high. Maybe, I expect to much of youngsters at school (all of the above incidents were with children who could not have been older than 6). Maybe I am indeed a snob, and should learn to accept some kind of regular way of life.
The thing is, I can’t tolerate what I’m seeing. It grates me. It leaves me cold. It makes me cross. I scream repeatedly on the inside. Every single morning and afternoon, I literally run in and out of the school as fast as possible with the boys. I know, I know, we can’t live in a bubble. They have to “experience real life”. I get that. However, there are things I do not want my children exposed to, because it is not a way of life. Not in our house. Not ever.
I knew I had a sinking feeling about the school when we first took Noah, and at the time I couldn’t put my finger on what it was. As we have completed the first week, and starting the second, my desperation to get him the hell out as soon as possible, is making me physically sick. Every single day, I hope and pray to the Gods of The County Councils, that they will phone or write and say that a space is available for Noah at one of the nearer schools. All of which, are gorgeous and lovely and perfect.
I know and trust that Noah is an incredibly sound and level headed boy. I know he has a surprising amount of common sense, and he knows what is right and wrong. But that doesn’t make me feel happy knowing he is exposed to the crap such as that above. I shout and swear a lot. A whole lot. But NEVER, NEVER in front of my children. Or in front of other people’s children. Or in the goddamn school playground; an environment supposedly safe for parents and children alike. (In theory.)
A letter arrived today confirming Noah’s placement on another waiting list at a nearby school. The three schools near us – he is now listed for them all. We have reached the point where there is nothing, nothing more I can do. The school run will continue to try and grind me down, and through the winter I can only hope I make it through without being crushed by depression. I hang on desperately to the fact that I’m booking my weddings next year, with some booked for 2014 already. The hope is getting the boys back into private education by 2014/15.
I just want the absolute best for them. And right now, what I’m giving them sure as hell is not good enough.
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The whole situation sounds awful! I personally want the best for my girls and if I could afford to would go private. Although our local primary is a very good school and i have no problems that you have described.
My fingers and toes are crossed for you that something comes up very soon! Xx
Thank you lovely. I'm thinking it can't just be me who isn't overly keen on the circumstances and incidents at the school! Bah… xx
Proud of what you are trying to do! It is totally unacceptable behaviour and I too am working any way I can to make sure that when my little one starts school, it will be a private one…
Thank you! I see stuff like this happening and seriously question whether I'm the only one who finds it wrong. I swear, I'll get the best for my boys if it knocks me sideways… x
I have a long rant that I dare not post here (not against you, the system). I will email you later. Chin up lady, you're not a snob.
What a shame for you and your boys, this is not how I would expect children or parents to behave. I would be mortified and my children would be severely disciplined if they did anything of what you have seen and heard children do. I am like you, I would expect parents to intervene, keep their children safe and expect them to behave in an acceptable manner. No parent should speak to a child like that either. I hope you get it all sorted soon. Hugs xx
I have absolutely everything crossed that you get them into the schools you want as soon as is humanely possible.
xxx
My heart is aching for my daughter my son in law and my grandsons who are being exposed to such an environment. The government, local authorities, education committees, parents association where are you all. What do you all want the future to be like. it is totally heart-rending. I am praying that by some miraculous divine intervention the boys may be able to go back into a school where they are comfortable and allowed to progress throught their childhood NORMALLY.
I never fail to be shocked/surprised/disgusted by the way people treat their children and what they think is acceptable. If that makes me a snob too, then hey. Yours (and everybody's, for that matter) deserve much much better. I am crossing EVERYTHING that you hear something very very soon. Muchos love x
Oh gosh this is only adding to your stress. Praying for you for a better outcome. Liska x