Parents setting bad example - kids punished for it
By Lindalinda
@Lindalinda (4111)
Canada
May 16, 2008 6:05am CST
I watched WBZ Boston a couple of nights ago. One of the news items had to do with a Little League Club. It was a thriving organization but when the parents signed up their children they also had to sign an agreement that they would volunteer one day a year at the concession stand. This concession stand brought in over $ 30 000 a year and contributed greatly to the wealth of this organization. Well, so far 8 parents refused to hold up their end of the bargain and the punishment is that their children are suspended for two games. One mom in particular was very vocal. She wants this rule changed. She said she had to work that day. I think she could have found another solution such as changing her day, switching with someone else or taking a day of vacation. I think it is a very bad example for the kids and totally unfair to them. Any thoughts?
1 person likes this
11 responses
@Sillychick (3275)
• United States
16 May 08
If they signed an agreement, they should be held to it. You are right, it sets a bad example for the children to see parents refusing to follow through on their responsibilities. If parents don't do it, how are the children going to learn that they need to fulfill their responsibilities. It is sad that these parents care more about their jobs or whatever else than they do about setting a good example for their children.
If they were opposed to it, they could have refrained from signing the agreement in the first place, instead of signing it and trying to get out of it later.
1 person likes this
@Lindalinda (4111)
• Canada
5 Jun 08
You are so right, these parents are not setting a good example.
@LouRhi (1502)
• Australia
17 May 08
Interesting concept. We only want your child if you are prepared to help us out for one day.
I guess at the time of signing some parents just go "yeah yeah whatever"
It does set a bad example if these parents are unable to honour their commitment and while it is not fair that the children miss out on two games, I can't see how else this could be enforced.
I am sure the woman in question could have found an alternative but then she wouldn't have anything to complain about!
@lingli_78 (12821)
• Australia
17 May 08
woww..., it is so unfair for the children... and it is setting a very bad example to the children about shirking the responsibilities... when they sign the agreement, they are abide with it and they are reliable to honour it... so if they didn't honour the agreement and the children get punished for it, it is a very bad example of running away from responsibilities... i feel bad for the children... take care and have a nice day...
1 person likes this
@cripfemme (7698)
• United States
17 May 08
I feel bad for the kids too. What does this teach them about honoring commitments? And I'm sorry but I assume that this woman picked the day that she was going to work - it's only one day a year, for god's sake. And she should've just marked that off on her calendar as my mother does, or did when my brother and I were in high school, so she would know that she made a promise to her kids. I mean I understand that her boss was stupid and didn't get it, but really, she could have worked out something. This is why, in a very small way, I think people should have licenses before they parent. Parents make ten thousand sacrifices for their kids over the course of the child's lifetime, and she couldn't give up eight hours - or probably more likely, two. I don't know if she should be a parent.
@miller23231 (873)
• United States
16 May 08
Actually, a few years ago, when my son was playing baseball for our local little league team, the same sort of thing was true. The night that I was to work the concession stand, I had to work late. So (and how hard is this?) I asked my mom to fill in for me. It's not difficult at all to find a friend or relative who will do that. You're absolutely right, it is unfair to the kids! It's not any different than everything else, if you say you're going to do something...do it!
1 person likes this
@sturner03 (326)
• United States
17 May 08
I think that it's unfair to expect a working mother to take time off work for this cause. Yes she should be supporting her children in there sports, but she's doing something much more important by going to work everday to put food on the table!
1 person likes this
@minnie_98214 (10557)
• United States
16 May 08
I would have done it no problem but thats easy for me too do as I dont work. Now if its anything like my kids league we pay for it so id be a bit mad if they also made me volunteer and pay my dues. Now if they had a sign up asking for help saying they needed it for the league and it would really help. Id probably sign up for a few shifts willingly but forcing me to sign something um a little harsh I think.
1 person likes this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
20 May 08
Gee, that's pretty sad. Those poor kids are getting the rough end of things every which way. What's with these parents? One day a Year? You'd think it was every week. And to not stand by the rules for the sake of the kids ...this is sending several messages to the youngsters and all of them bad. They should be ashamed of themselves.
@arkaf61 (10881)
• Canada
21 May 08
I agree with you. People are really not very committed nowadays and giving one's word seems to be worth nothing.
It's interesting because I was just talking about that with my daughter the other day. Our word is supposed to be our most prized possession.
People unfortunately will do and say anything to get their kids here and there, but when it's time to "pay up" they're not there. I agree with the rule, although it's not the poor kids fault, but I guess parents do need a lesson.
@ellie333 (21016)
•
16 May 08
No excuse, like you say she could have swapped and done a different day. The children are being penalised for the actions of their parents, that is also wrong. These parents should be setting an example of responsibilty to the children not opting out of their duties and creating problems for them by them not being allowed to play. Children need encouragement and parental support. What selfish people these 8 parents are eh! Ellie:D
1 person likes this
@Hatley (163772)
• Garden Grove, California
18 May 08
my gosh the woman could not donate one lousy day
a year? thats beyond all reason. one day is not going
to hurt her job.Punishing the kids for stupid parents
is not the way to go. it is not as if the club was asking
parents to volunteer for a whole week. my goodness what is
this world coming to?
