And just like that, it’s summertime. Of course, children should be protected from danger. But sometimes in the well-meaning effort to protect and shield kids, the line between protection and pampering can become blurred. And while pampering the young ones might make the officials in charge of calling the shots feel fuzzy and warm inside, it doesn’t actually benefit in the long run.
This past Monday the weather was hot. In response, some school districts across the state decided to call off classes for the day. Boston was NOT one of them. This is following a pattern that we also see increasing during recent winters, where school closings are announced, and at the drop of a hat, we often wind up receiving 3 or 4 inches of fluff. In the interest of being ‘safe rather than sorry’, students lose precious classroom time.
One parent interviewed on TV news about last Monday’s decision to close the schools in a north shore town was anything but pleased. She stated what many other parents are thinking. “If it’s hot, give the kids a Popsicle or a cold bottle of water, but don’t take a day of valuable learning away from our children. They’ll be just fine. It’s June, it’s summertime and it’s hot. It’s not as if there is an earthquake or a hurricane out there. They might as well put kids in a bubble.”
We’re sure there are those who would disagree with the sentiments of that outspoken parent, but many feel that she is correct. It’s something to ponder.
