I am really irritated. No, actually, I am pissed. So I am the mother of a kindergartner. I volunteered to help this morning at our PTSAs book fair. My first volunteer position ever for the school. I took both my sons with me because my shift started at 8:30 am and school doesnt start until 9:10 am. Before I started, I went to the office and signed in, with both my kids. Kieran hung around until it was time for him to go to school. I busied myself stocking the shelves, familiarizing myself with book locations and cleaning up. I learned the register. I was very excited to be there because I love books! About 9:30 am, someone comes in to the library from the office and tells me I have to leave. That I cant be there with a sibling. In front of the other volunteers - we have a policy. This was not communicated by the PTSA on the sign up sheet. Embarrassed, I hung my head and left, just as some students were filing in for the fair. I, the PARENT VOLUNTEER had to leave because of my infant son. Who wasnt causing any problems. What is wrong with our world when parents cant take their children with them to places such as this. School is suppose to be a safe place for children and parents, where we TEACH our children. I wasnt in the classroom. I wasnt treating patients. Everyday I play the balancing act of being a mom to two kids. I wasnt performing some delicate procedure. (Unless of course you include navigating the ins and outs of elementary school). This is the school where Kenji is going to attend. I think we have lost our minds. Maybe children dont belong in all places in all situations for their safety or other reasons. But at a book fair?? At a school?? I called the assistant principal in tears. She was very nice. Explained the policy and also that clearly there was a need for better communication/clarity etc. I am still mad. I am not trying to get anyone in trouble because they didnt communicate this policy or because they didnt handle the situation very well. I just think this policy is dumb. Why is our society like this? All of us mothers are suppose to stay home or hide our kids away?? Dont bring them to the store, they will interrupt your shopping experience. Dont bring them out to eat, you will ruin someones dinner. Dont breastfeed them in plain sight, someone will see your boob. All you mommies out there I want you to know, I support you bringing your children with you! If you have trouble in the grocery store, I wont secretly curse you out. If I can, I will help. Imagine a world were someone sees your kid running towards the door of the grocery store while you are juggling your groceries and infant, and instead of watching them run into the street they playfully block your kiddo and get ready to intervene if necessary. This happened to me once. It was one of the nicest things anyone ever did to help me. Lord knows I dont always want to bring my kids with me but that is my decision and sometimes, it just isnt an option to leave them home. Maybe I am the nutcase but I dont care. This is wrong. I feel like my son and I are second class citizens. And with all the other challenges that have been happening with Kieran navigating kindergarten, it is a very bitter taste in my mouth. I was so very excited for him to be in school - but now I am feeling like I am going to be entering a world where I have to put my boxing gloves on... Get ready elementary school, nothing makes a mom step up more than when her children are not being treated well. I am watching.
Posted on: Wed, 01 Oct 2014 19:30:45 +0000
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