Why a license to fish but not to have kids?

[timothyl]

I find it apalling that two people with nothing more than a sperm and an egg can have kids. Today, I had a student serving a detention for being late. She is currently failing my class because of assignments not being turned in. Granted she is no rocket scientist and she definatly has twice the number of blonde moments as anyone else, she is still a good kid (translation: not much book sense or common sense but has SOME potential).<br /><br /> I was talking to her about her grade while she cleaned my classroom walls (I believe detention should be a punishment, not a joke) and she told me she wasn't capable of doing school work. When I pointed out that she did decent work on what she did turn in, she said "yea right". I told her that she was smart and that she could pass my class if she tried. This is where my rant really starts.<br /><br /> This young lady started crying. I asked her what was wrong and she told me "No one has ever told me I was smart before". I thought she was trying to get out of detention so I kept talking to her about her potential and she kept telling me that she couldn't. When I asked how her parents felt about her failing, she told me in no uncertian terms that her parents could care less. This child (again, not the smartest cookie in the bag) is cute, has potential, and works hard at things other than school work (30 hours a week for a sixteen year old) After she left, I made a phone call to her home. After a few moments of talking to her mom, I was told by her mother that "she didn't care as long as she(daughter) didn't get pregnant".<br /><br /> I can not believe that anyone would tell their child they didn't care. I am human and occassionally wish my children would leave me alone, but they still are supported, nurtured, loved, and disciplined when needed.<br /> I guess my question is this, What kind of Neanderthal would tell a child they could care less, that they were stupid, and do what you want as long as you don't get pregnant.<br /> People/parents like that make a strong argument for retro-active birth control.

 

[11 footer]

Re: Why a license to fish but not to have kids?

Thats very intersting, what grade do you teach?<br /><br />I hope you gave her mom a peace of your mine,<br /><br />( I always wanted to give a teacher advice )

 

[11 footer]

Re: Why a license to fish but not to have kids?

I've got a question,<br /><br />How late was she? I once had to stay after for being late for class. I walked threw the door right as the bell sounded. I was in the room, do why bust me for it? How so you think it should be?

 

[sloopy]

Re: Why a license to fish but not to have kids?

Be careful you never know, her parents may just want money. (make it seam that you made a pass on her and then sue you.)

 

[timothyl]

Re: Why a license to fish but not to have kids?

I teach 10th through 12th grade. She was about 1 minute. I have two doors to my room. When the bell rings I close one door, then walk to the next to close it. If your not in by then, its an automatic detention. Its about my only pet peeve. Kids generally stay focused once you get their attention, but its a pain in the @$$ to start over. I feel that if your talking or doing something else, then I am doing something wrong. I need to make it interesting so that everyone is paying attention.<br /> As for the mother, I really wish I could have said more but what can you say. I simply told her that if she could help me keep her daughter focused so that she could atleast pass my class, then maybe the rest of her life would get better as she earned some self respect. The only answer I got was "whatever".<br /> What can you do? professionaly/legally all I can do is try to help the kid while she is in my class. Personally, I wanted to knock the living S@#t out of this "lady".<br /> It kind of tears you up when a sixteen year old kid says nobody ever said she was smart before. How in the H@ll did she turn out as well as she has? Sometimes you have to tell little white lies. I know, and she knows that she will more than likely never go to college, or get a technical degree, but jeesh louise, do have to tell the kid she's stupid?<br /><br />I also make sure that I keep both doors open and that other teachers are dropping in every few minutes when a student, male or female is in my room.

 

[tylerin]

Re: Why a license to fish but not to have kids?

tlands, Is there a counselor that could possibly help this young girl out. Obviously, she's not going to get any help at home

 

[chads15]

Re: Why a license to fish but not to have kids?

I know of some people that openly call thier children DUMB and STUPID right in front of them and to anyone else around. They say "well, they are only 3" I say " THEY STILL KNOW WHAT IT MEANS" or if they dont they will soon enough. I wish I knew why people did that. I just want to punch them dead in the face.

 

[neumanns]

Re: Why a license to fish but not to have kids?

tlands...Take an intrest in this lady, no one else has. You could become an important mentor that would give her an example to turn her life around. Proabably all she needs, and many times teachers are the only roll models teens have (unfortunate). All she really wants is for someone to notice her accomplishments and if someone doesent then she will try to get pregnant because the baby would have to care for her. I believe this combined with resentment of parents is the reason many young teens get pregnant.

 

[plywoody]

Re: Why a license to fish but not to have kids?

From my experience, this is not as unusual as you may think. Or wish to believe.

 

[11 footer]

Re: Why a license to fish but not to have kids?

plywoods right, I know alot of kids with F'ed up parents.<br /><br />My friend of mine lost his dad last year, he got arrested for selling "H"........nice role model, huh.

 

[Carphunter]

Re: Why a license to fish but not to have kids?

Hello tlands.<br /><br />I once struggled in a certain class at school. My teacher went out of his way to help me understand what I was struggling with. That was 9th grade. To this day I can quote things that I learned in this class. He provided me with a confidence boost that helped in all of my classes. <br /><br />This particular teacher was the best man in my wedding years later.<br /><br />Maybe this is an opportunity for you to affect this girl the same way I was affected. <br /><br />You never know, you might make a friend for life.<br /><br />I commend what you are doing.