Christmas Program Behavior
Last night, Emily had two Christmas programs at school. The children and Emily did an outstanding job! What really struck me was the behavior of the families that came to watch the program.
Parents were talking loudly to each other. I viewed one person talking on their cell phone. Some people got up and left after their childs part was finished. One father was yelling up to the stage at his son…not just saying hello, but actually trying to carry on a conversation. A mother was yelling at her daughter and her daughters teacher…wanting to know why her daughter wasn’t wearing her sweater. A grandmother was standing in front of the stage taking pictures as they were trying to get things started…when I say standing in front of the stage, I mean standing right in front of Emily.
I’m always shocked when I observe some of these actions.
But, it’s like Emily said, “At least they came to watch their kids.” She went on to say that it doesn’t bother her too much because at least they are excited about what their kids are doing.
The reality is that many of the students families just drop them off and go do something else for a while.
I was really troubled as we left. A couple of young girls had been waiting for their mother to come pick them up. Instead, their mothers friend (they only knew his first name) came to take the girls home. One of the staff members noticed the man had been drinking…it appeared he had been drinking heavily. So, they weren’t going to let him take the girls home. Another family volunteered to give the girls and this gentleman a ride home. It makes me wonder what kind of state the mother was in if she sent some drunk friend to pick up her girls. My heart just sort of sank for these girls.
And so, the reality is that I’d prefer the outrageous behavior…parents taking an interest in their children over parents not coming and sending their drunk boyfriends to bring the kids home.
But seriously, the programs were great!
I understand completely. When I started working with the guard down here, the parents were the same way. I went to a winter concert and was appalled by the behavior of the adults. It has taken a few years, but we have educated the parents on the proper etiquette for these types of programs. It has required having the guard girls stand at the doors of the auditorium to ask people to take a seat during a number, but they have caught on to the process. They have even learned to put their phones on silent. They can be taught. I also understand that obnoxious parent involvement is better than none at all. If it gets carried away, Emily can start the parent education at her performances as well as with her students.
Sending all of you my love and WARM wishes. See you soon!
Love ya!
Comment by Big Sis — December 6, 2006 @ 7:29 pm