Well Now, I Think I Have Found Part Of The Problem

Dear Abby: Wouldn’t it make sense if grade school teachers set aside time, weekly or monthly, to go over some very generic information that kids need to learn? I’m talking about things like how important it is to have pets neutered and why, how to manage money, and show them what the average dad earns and what it costs to run a household and support a family. It might help kids to grow up understanding that money isn’t free and get them past the “gimmes." 

There are so many topics that ought to be introduced to youngsters at an early age — how to groom themselves properly, be exposed to a variety of music genres, teach them how grandparents can use help even from small children. They could be taught to be aware of their surroundings, to realize that foul language isn’t an attribute and why it’s important to be pleasant.

Please click here to read Abby's answer.

I hear this all the time.  I have several friends who are teachers.  Not only are they too busy trying to cram aggressive curriculum into their student's minds, they are restricted by what they can (or should!) do to help students.

I also hear frequently how parents try to shove their responsibility off on teachers, and make their jobs harder.  Parents who are cool and lenient about homework make teachers work extra hard to pick up their slack.  Parents who don't discipline their kids or teach them about manners and respect drag down an already struggling system.  People who think teachers should raise the kids they are charged with, kids from a multitude of backgrounds, beliefs and cultures, should do that job for two weeks.

And now I'll climb off my soapbox and let you get back to your day.