"I told my kid they had to stick it out for the rest of the year, then they can quit" is the new phrase amongst parents when dealing with students wanting to drop various activities. "We don't allow them to quit in the middle of something." Well, that's all fine and dandy, but hey, how about a reason why it's important to stick with and be part of something? What will the student learn from it? Could they possibly form a new appreciation for the activity with a little support and encouragement?
When I hear a parent make those comments the message I get from it is, "Just get through the year and I'll get you out of there. Then I look like a good parent by not allowing you to quit." Ok, so step 1 is to keep them involved in the activity, but that simply is not enough. Step 2 is to show the student that being involved with the activity is a great benefit to them. Introduce them to the opportunities available to the student through the activity. Encourage them to actually work hard, participate, and learn. Teach them about responsibility and dedication. Not just go through the motions and let time pass. If we are going to only allow the student to "get through the year" no one is gaining. We might as well just let them quit.
So parents, are we really teaching the student a valuable lesson by not allowing them to quit? Or, are we only trying to make ourselves look better? Maybe we should start sharing that there is only 24 hours in a day. Get through the day and you can quit. Or, maybe together we can find ways to make every day valuable and worth being involved in.
When I hear a parent make those comments the message I get from it is, "Just get through the year and I'll get you out of there. Then I look like a good parent by not allowing you to quit." Ok, so step 1 is to keep them involved in the activity, but that simply is not enough. Step 2 is to show the student that being involved with the activity is a great benefit to them. Introduce them to the opportunities available to the student through the activity. Encourage them to actually work hard, participate, and learn. Teach them about responsibility and dedication. Not just go through the motions and let time pass. If we are going to only allow the student to "get through the year" no one is gaining. We might as well just let them quit.
So parents, are we really teaching the student a valuable lesson by not allowing them to quit? Or, are we only trying to make ourselves look better? Maybe we should start sharing that there is only 24 hours in a day. Get through the day and you can quit. Or, maybe together we can find ways to make every day valuable and worth being involved in.
