07/6/2011:
"intersting article but i would have made my kids where matching outfite
the middle schools let them have some indivuality "
08/5/2010:
"I am a veteran teacher having seen 20 back-to-schools. My heart goes for
those students coming to school TIRED. In our busy world, we adults want
to stretch time awake to get it all accomplished. This cannot be for our
children. Sleep is so important for health and well-being. Children who
have late bedtimes and too early risings suffer academically. Back
'in-the-day', our parents gave us the structure of adequate sleep
schedules. Don't let modern parenting fool you- Elementary-aged children
need 10-11 hours; middle-school; 9-10 hours a night. "
08/4/2010:
"For those of you that are criticizing the parents with their eating
choices and 'bribe' techniques, I would say to you: Get over your
better-than-you attitude. We as parents faulter on occasion. We are human,
not everything goes as planned...
My daughter just started 6th grade this Monday. She is a very confident
girl that doesn't get freaked out by much. As I approached the stop sign
right around the corner from her school, she turned to me with fear and
tears in her eyes and said 'Mommy, I'm not too sure about this.' I
couldn't help but to tear up myself, but held it together enough to calm
her down and put her at ease. The funny thing about it is that when I
picked her up, she told me that her day was boring!!
We all go through some sort of anxiety before we start something we
haven't done before.
This story was humorous to me..."
08/4/2010:
"I just read the various comments appended to this article. People!! Have
you never heard of satire? The number of respondents who seemed to think
this was a true account was incredible. The article was to make you think
(and smile) by showing bad examples, in a humorous tone. The writing is
quite cute, a welcome relief at this time of year."
08/4/2010:
"I enjoyed reading the story and I empathize with parents today. It is not
easy disciplining kids today when so much revolves around them. We are
bombarded with technology from every direction and parents are so stressed
out with most households where both parents have to work to scrape by or
with single parents. Then to top it off everybody is analyzing everybody
elses parenting style. I think parents are so lenient because they are "
08/4/2010:
"We actually visit Disneyland the last day before school starts because
we've completed the rat race early. Since our school year starts so late,
the park is empty, and the kids never had time to fret about the small
stuff. A nice, long, pleasant day wears them out, and they end up
crashing in the car--far earlier than they ever would have if they'd
bounced out of bed 10 times with 'I can't sleep--I'm too excited.'
It might not work for everyone, but it's been a lifesaver for us. With
the school year starting on a different date this year, it won't work, so
we'll look for something else to distract them the day before school
starts--maybe the Science Center."
07/19/2010:
"This seemed a little nuts. A child should not be terrified to start the
sixth grade. It's one thing to be nervous... but not down-right terrified.
As for the advice... It always worked well for my family to just jump into
the first day of school. You get tired enough that you get right back onto
your original school plan.
Last year, we came back from Disney World at 3 AM on the first day of
school. We encountered a house full of flees. (No fun!) But everything
ended up working perfectly and there were no issues. The first day really
isn't that important. Teachers give out small amounts of homework... but
it's usually get-to-know-you stuff or see-what-you-know work.
The best advice is to find out what works best for your family when it
comes to the back-to-school routine. For mine, it's jump-in. For others,
they like to plan ahead."
09/18/2009:
"This story was anxiety provoking and demonstrated poor planning, poor
judgement and lack of limits on the parents part. WHen ya plan a vacation,
never come back the night before start of school--and then let the kids
stay up soooo late, gosh, ya set yerself up for potential problems without
much reserve. There are reasonable ways to have a good balance between fun
and discipline/responsibility, so you do not have to resort to giving in
to your kids to counter the stressed you have caused from not planning
well. That being said, sometimes unexpected things happen even with good
planning and then need to regroup and do what is best, not always what is
easiest for all."
09/2/2009:
"Parents stop trying to be so... perfect. Just relax and laugh a little.
This story is only one example of what many parent do go through at one
point. Although many parents wont EVER admit to it. We all sometimes loose
sight of being parents and act more as friends to our kids. Which is only
a normal stage. This parent seems to be a dedicated, FUN , LOVING. i bet
she is also strict when needed. this story shoulD serve as a lesson to all
parents. Start sharing
out of control moments. We all have them. "
09/2/2009:
"Very funny great story. Makes me feel well prepared. I have twins entering
Kindergarten. It is stressful the story brings me some relief!"
09/1/2009:
"I hope this isn't a real story, because this family is nuts! No wonder the
kids are so spoiled...a 20 day vacay and a new ipod if the kid will just
agree to go back to school! Someone call Children's Services!"
08/27/2009:
"If the mom promises an iPod for the boy for just agreeing to go back to
school, is it any wonder they are spolied?"
08/27/2009:
"Maybe Missie should be reading GreatSchools articles. Do parents really
act like that? Please give us something more realistic not an example of
parents who give into their child's every whim because they have stressed
their child out."
08/27/2009:
"Parents have back to school night to meet with teacher and other parents.
Should the kids have some type of back to school night before the school
even starts? This will help to ease some pain.
Can’t remember how I felt when I was going to middle school, but certainly
didn’t complaint to my parents. It is privilege to have education
provided. There are millions of kids in other part of the world have to
travel several miles, every single day, with their bare feet, to go to
school. I am a bit concerned that we, parents and society, even allow that
to happen. If the kids are feared of going to school and get educated, I
can’t imagine the future of this country.
"
08/27/2009:
"Try to avoid frozen pizzas and fast food as well."
08/27/2009:
"Okay, the advice on this page wasn't good---at all. The only thing that
was a little helpful, was starting the routine a little early, that's all.
One of the worst things that i've heard that's escalating between ignorant
parents was probably the whole 'Notes in the Lunchbag' thing. Kids hate
that. They don't want to hear from you while they're hanging with their
friends in school. You would be ruining one of the best things about
school for us kids. I know, I have personal experience.
And they're not worried about not making friends or anything. But they use
being afraid to be alone as an excuse for almost not going because they
don't want to go. Duh people. Kids like me and the rest of my peers are
progressing. And getting sneakier and more manipulative."
08/27/2009:
"Glad my boys don't cry like these kids. Must be difficult."
08/27/2009:
"I loved it--very funny."
