Who's job is it anyway?

Former Member

*Is back in Politics *gasp* ok, here goes....* <IMG SRC="cool.gif" border="0" ALT="icon">

I was having a chat with my driving instructor - (of all people!) and we were discussing how people become to be the people they are. There were two main groups who had some sort of influence over kids (if any at all) Parents and Teachers.

Now, Kt made a fair point that we all start out as a blank canvas and its life experiences/environment etc who make us who we are.

And in the other thread there is talk about taking away benefits for unruly kids from the parents.

Are we just living in a society of blame? Or is it right that things really start in the home?

e.g the boys on trial for the James Bulger murder have details about their childhood which are to never be brought to light, or the upbringing of kids who turn out to be criminals/expelled from school etc Is it the environment they live in, or just the whole 'parents did nothing' or should have the teachers had a stronger disciplinary role in their lives? (if they turned up at school at all)

*it was at this point that I nearly reversed into the kerb and the conversation had to stop* <IMG SRC="smile.gif" border="0" ALT="icon">

I think I'm waffling a bit, but being realistic, what can be done to try and help the 'Youth of today?' <IMG SRC="confused.gif" border="0" ALT="icon">

Former Member

The job lies with parents.

it is a teacher's job to TEACH, not to babysit. They are paid to help the children gain qualifications for work. It is not a teacher's job to teach right from wrong.

Former Member

(that wasn't me, that was J)

Yes it should be parents jobs, but think about it like this. If both your parents work, you see more of your teachers than your parents, especially at primary school where you have the same teacher all day.

My parents both work very long hours, my Dad often abroad and I was mostly brought up by foreign au-pairs. Good excuse for being a trouble maker. !

Former Member

Originally posted by go_away:
<STRONG>There were two main groups who had some sort of influence over kids (if any at all) Parents and Teachers.

</STRONG>
You missed out peers. They are a big influence, especially during adolescence.

<STRONG>Are we just living in a society of blame?

</STRONG>
Yes and No. We are very quick to seek to blame others for our own predicaments. I don't think we take enough personal responsibilty for our own actions.
That said, we are quick to lay the blame on "society", whatever that means. It's just a way of blaming the collective for individual mistakes.

<STRONG>Or is it right that things really start in the home?

</STRONG>
Where else?

<STRONG>*it was at this point that I nearly reversed into the kerb and the conversation had to stop* <IMG SRC="smile.gif" border="0" ALT="icon">

</STRONG>
roflol <IMG SRC="biggrin.gif" border="0" ALT="icon">
*avoids kerb*
*is male <IMG SRC="wink.gif" border="0" ALT="icon">*

Former Member

I think that the scholl environment is as important as home, during childhood there is realistically a lot more contact with teachers and friends than there is with parents......

Former Member

I believe that the parents are the ones to look out for their children.

A parent can't follow every step a child takes, but can surely try to knock some sense into the kids brain.

And if the child gets a good head start it is easier to follow the track, than to come back on track, than when you're already off.

Former Member

Sorry but the fact that the child has more input from their teachers than their parents is just another example of a lack of parental responsibility.

My wife doesn't "work", she brings up our children. This makes our finances tight, but what is more important?

The children are OUR responsibility, it is OUR job to teach them right from wrong. The school should be able to concentrate on academic, not teaching morals.

~~~~~

Edited to add:

Children start school at the age of five. Why should schools be held responsible for what has happened before this time. The most formative years in a childs behaviour are pre-school...

[ 30-04-2002: Message edited by: Man Of Kent ]