Parents! What's the matter with these parents today?!?

You know, there are days when I wonder just what goes through the heads of my colleagues. It seems as though, in the past few days, that my kiddos have taken a bit of a hit when it comes to their reputations...and needlessly at that. But when I notice adults deciding to thrust their own agendas into a student's life, I have to wonder what that adult is thinking.

We'll start with my lovely young lady who has a younger brother in school. The two kids are devoted to each other, with the younger sibling idolizing his older sister. Unfortunately, the older sister has been very ill over the past few days, getting progressively worse...but showing up. When I took her aside to tell her she should be at home, she said she couldn't stay there...alone! Astonished, I asked her to tell me why she'd be home alone. Her reply was to tell me that her parents had taken a trip to the casino and that she wasn't allowed to bother them. Oh, really?

It's interesting to note that when one does not answer his or her hotel phone at the casino, one can be eventually picked up by the tribal police...if the matter is pushed to this level. And it's interesting, as well, to note that when one tells a tribal cop that the matter involves a middle school student who is sick, that tribal cop kicks into a higher gear. You see, the tribal police on this reservation have had issues with mistreated children in the past, so they're rather sensitive.

Sadly, the parents were horribly upset with their children for, "ruining their time off." I've heard some stories of some punishments handed out at home, extra chores for a young lady with the flu, etc. How awful is that? I wonder if my friends at DCF will react quite as quickly...guess it's time to find out!

Secondly, let's note the story of another young lady in my class who is dying to go to Catholic high school. She's applied for financial aid, been given an astronomical amount of money in response, and then cerimoniously blown up by her mother who doesn't have the time to drive her daugther one town over to sign paperwork. Are you kidding me? That's worth a weekend of no television and social activities...a simple, "Mom, can we go to [insert school name here] to get me enrolled for the fall?" Apparently, this mother of the year didn't want to miss an appointment with a television show! Great.

And finally we note the tale of a colleague of mine, who yesterday found one of our computers in our computer lab to be broken. Immediately...my students were blamed. Granted, they've been hellions in the past, but they've come a long way in terms of behavior, etc. And they didn't do it...I know that to be true. Nevertheless, they've been questioned, pushed around, blamed and--in my opinion--harassed and bullied into confessing. And I, being the social justice and human rights advocate, have been pushing right back in an effort to get these kids the respect and justice they deserve. Said teacher has told me I'm, "a naive little idiot" for believing my students...but I know I'm right. Ugh.

Why do we do this to our kids? We instantly don't believe a child, just because he/she is a child? And we instantly put our needs ahead of our own children's needs? How wonderful. This furthers my idea that prospective parents should be tested on basic human rights and common sense prior to being allowed to breed. Why do we damage our children this way? It's no wonder I hear my kids saying they're "worthless" and "stupid" and "lonely." They want their parents' love...and they're not getting it.

I wish I had a magic want to make it all better. I ache for these kids. I want to see them succeed and grow and shine. And I want the best for them. Unfortunately, time is running out...they leave me in May. Then what?

Oh wait...don't answer that. I'm afraid to find out.