Dear parents of school-aged kids… I KNOW.

I know.

What you think, believe, say, cook, watch, and stand for at home… I know. How do I know? Because your kid(s) mirror it, repeat it, brag about it, or tearfully confide it daily in my classroom. You have no secrets. None.

I know things aren’t going to get any better until this changes…

I know how you feel about me, this school,my principal, the cafeteria food, the dress code, and your child’s report card.

I know how you feel about the upcoming election, the economy, your girlfriend, and your job.

I know how much you pay in rent every month…. and I know how much you paid for the rims on your car.

I know how much money you gave your son for that new pair of sneakers (iPod, concert tickets, etc)…. even though you told me he’d be grounded for not turning in his school work. I also know what he really spent it on. I know that this bothers me more than it bothers you.

I know what music you like (nice ‘ringback’ tone by the way)… what movies you allow your kids to watch, and that you didn’t come home until after your kid had already gone to bed last night. Whenever that might have been. (I also know your shift ends at 4PM…)

I know your kid needs your attention… (because he is desperately seeking any kind he can get within the walls of my classroom.)

I know you screened my call last week. Twice. I know I’ll keep calling.

I know when your kid is smart and capable and just not encouraged. I also know when she truly struggles and has weaknesses that you play off as a bad day… or a bad teacher.

I know what you value. And disregard. Guess what! Your kids value and disregard the same things…

I also know that your kid will lie… so I don’t always believe everything I hear about you.

So before you call ME…. and want to challenge me on what you DON’T KNOW about my classroom, my teaching style, my policies, my deadlines, my character, or my integrity….  Just remember–

I KNOW.

 

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After sleeping on this post, I feel it is only fair to add something for the rare and admirable parents that I meet along this journey also… so, my hat is off to those parents who do know that I’m doing the best I can for their child, just like they are.

I know you didn’t get home until after midnight because you went straight from your day shift to a waitressing shift, just so your kid could have those sneakers he’s been coveting since 8th grade. I also know he wont get them until Christmas.

May God lift you and your family up.

I know you didn’t take my call last night because you had your hands full with 3 kids, dinner, homework, a band fundraiser, and soccer practice; and I know you’re doing it by yourself because their dad is in Afghanistan. I know I can’t even begin to fathom this.

I know your child’s grandparents live with YOU, not the other way around. And I commend you for that.

And I know that there’s probably plenty I don’t know too. So I’m trying to be fair.

With all my love and support,

     The dramafreemama

 

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