I lay in bed last night unable to sleep wondering how teachers deal with students, or should I say parents that neglect their children. Well neglect seems like such a strong word, maybe not neglect but don't give attention like a child needs to succeed in life.
A few days ago Jennah's teacher asked if I would do a special favor for her. We had the Pre-K Awards Picnic yesterday and she wanted me to fix a few extra lunches for the kids who's parents hadn't RSVPed to come. I was glad to help so we made three extra lunches. As soon as all the kids ran to their parents there were three little ones with disappointed looks on their faces. Mrs. Lindsey positively brought them to our picnic and told them they were invited to stay with us. Two of the three kids parents eventually showed up. As soon as they saw their parents they just lit up. As for the last little boy nobody ever came. We had relay races, piggy back races, and a bubble gum contest. During these events this little boy just kind of blended in with the crowd. Then it was time for the awards. The teacher would announce a name and each child would go to Mrs. Lindsey to have a picture taken by their proud parents. When it came time for the little boy he sat right down on Mrs. Lindsey's lap and smiled for a picture but there was no one there for him. My heart sunk as I ran over to take a picture of him so he wouldn't feel left out. My heart aches for this little boy. Not a parent, grandparent, or even a family friend was there for him.
As I lay there last night I thought about how many other children go through this, and how teachers see this every year in their classes. I wonder how they do it. How do they keep from wanting to adopt each one of these children. It's not that they are neglected just not cherished as each child should be. I feel like I need to do something about this. What can I do? What does a teacher do? How is this child going to make it through? I pray for these forgotten children. They are not abused, not starved, just not cherished.
Had to get this off my chest. Thanks for listening or reading.
4 comments:
Aaahhh . . . that is so hard to see for such a little guy! I would always try to 'adopt' those children out to families in the class who were more than willing to love another and it seemed to work out great. I am just now seeing it on the side of the parent when I attend Cooper's activities. If parent's only could see the end of their life instead of the right now they would get their priorities straight! My heart goes out to you!
That makes me want to absolutely cry! It is rough on a kid and makes them feel so...awkward.
Hi Jessica. I can't wait to see your house once you're all moved in. Blake said it was nice. About the classroom obseration, I know that's only one of the challenges I'll face if I do get a teaching job. Caring for those negleted children sounds much more meaningful to me that what I am doing now! Hopefully I'll get to love on some kids!
I have only been in the school systems as a teacher for one semester and so far I have had probably 6 or 7 students who's parents just don't care. With 6th graders they are in a strange time in their lives anyway and when their parents seem not to give a flip it is so visible in everything they do. Whether it is the lack of homework turned in or the never signed paper that should have been back weeks ago. As a teacher I just try to give each child a safe place for the time that I have them in class. They aren't belittled, screamed at, or hurt in any way. At least I know that they can feel comfortable for 6 hours a day, the rest just has to be given to the lord.
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