So I was talking to the PTA president today...

[Zippa D Doodah]

and I thanked her for organizing a mini-reception at the elementary school yesterday for the honor roll kids. DD felt honored and DW and I were proud to be able to attend. PTA prez looks at me and chuckles. She says she has gotten NUMEROUS (as in more than one) complaints from parents who say that they feel slighted at the receptions.

Turns out that several 'rents feel neglected because the events only honor the children and not the parents. They say they are just as responsible for the child's success as the child is, so they should be honored as well. Mind you, all these complaints are directed toward VOLUNTEERS who are doing this on their own time and, in general, using their own money.

Ya know, the self-centered nerve of some people never ceases to amaze me.

 

[ChrisnSteph]

Holy moly. What a bunch of whiners.

 

[poohandwendy]

OMG, that is just....incredible. Wow.

 

[Disneyrsh]

You kno

 

[dkrause716]

So sad! These parents actually believe that too. My MIL actually said something very similar to my DH when he graduated from college years ago.

 

[luvmydogs]

I completely believe it, and yet at the same time find it unbelievable that people would not only think this way--but verbalize it, too!

There was an uproar in our school district not so long ago, regarding the placement of honor roll student's names in our local paper. It seems both the paper and various schools were getting complaints from the parents of the children who didn't make honor roll--apparently it wasn't fair that they were being 'stigmatized', and it was negatively affecting their self-esteem.

Unbelieavble.

 

[Disneyrsh]

It seems both the paper and various schools were getting complaints from the parents of the children who didn't make honor roll--apparently it wasn't fair that they were being 'stigmatized', and it was negatively affecting their self-esteem.

I swear, it's not the meek who will inherit the earth, it's the stupid!

 

[C.Ann]

I completely believe it, and yet at the same time find it unbelievable that people would not only think this way--but verbalize it, too!

There was an uproar in our school district not so long ago, regarding the placement of honor roll student's names in our local paper. It seems both the paper and various schools were getting complaints from the parents of the children who didn't make honor roll--apparently it wasn't fair that they were being 'stigmatized', and it was negatively affecting their self-esteem.

Unbelieavble.

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Oh puhleeeeez.. If these kids are that fragile, I'd hate to see what happens to them the first time they're rejected by a bf/gf; aren't hired fresh out of high school with $100,000 starting salary; etc..

There's a reason it's called "self"-esteem..

 

[Mermaid02]

It's all about me me me me ME !!!!!!!!

 

[ColoradoBuffaloMom]

I'm working on the elementary school variety show right now (I'm the stage manager), and you wouldn't *believe* how many stage parents are up there with their kids (it's a family show) and hogging the whole stage. Well, maybe you would! It's nuts!

The school I work at isn't even having a Variety Show this year since the parent complaints had gotten so out of hand. I often tease that we should have the "Parent Variety Show."

I was on PTO for many years and no matter what we did, someone complained. I just got to the point that I suggested that they help with the event in the future but of course few ever did.

 

[C.Ann]

The school I work at isn't even having a Variety Show this year since the parent complaints had gotten so out of hand. I often tease that we should have the "Parent Variety Show."

I was on PTO for many years and no matter what we did, someone complained. I just got to the point that I suggested that they help with the event in the future but of course few ever did.

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My youngest brother went to a private Military school and they did just that - had a "Parent Talent- Variety Show".. I've got to say, it was pretty awesome - very creative - and lots of great talent.. There was this one dad that sang solo and I swear he should have given up his day job and gone professional..

Of course I'll bet there was still a bunch of whining and complaining going on during the rehersals and such..

 

[disykat]

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Of course I'll bet there was still a bunch of whining and complaining going on during the rehersals and such..

Nah, the whining usually is from the people that aren't willing to involved themselves in the planning or implementing activites - they just want to complain!

 

[Wish I lived in Fl]

So sad! These parents actually believe that too. My MIL actually said something very similar to my DH when he graduated from college years ago.

The parents probably did do a lot to support their children's studies. I know I do a lot of support work for my kids.
But no, I wouldn't expect to be up on stage with my Honor Roll child.

Afterall the skating Moms don't stand with their kids when they recieve Olympic medals. But you know there was a lot of time, energy and financial sacrifice involved on the parents side.

 

[alliecats]

Maybe the parents didn't make the honor roll when THEY were kids and so now they are trying to hog the glory and live through their kids.

 

[JoeEpcotRocks]

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Oh puhleeeeez.. If these kids are that fragile, I'd hate to see what happens to them the first time they're rejected by a bf/gf; aren't hired fresh out of high school with $100,000 starting salary; etc..

There's a reason it's called "self"-esteem..

Right on the money!

Poor darlings!

 

[Mskanga]

Yes , I was threatened once at our tricky by a parent that she was going to get me "fired from that job" , I told her to go ahead and do that , the principal was right there when she said that and got a good laugh out of it , to this date he still jokes with me that I am going to get fired.....LOL

BTW when my kids are being recognized for something I DO NOT want to be on stage at all , I am busy crying ok? yes I am a sap!

 

[Beth76]

My kids aren't in school yet, but I can't possibly imagine why someone would feel the need to receive "credit" for their children's successes. I really hope I don't run into people like this when my kids are in school.

 

[disykat]

I just have to add that the maddest I've ever been at my kid's school is when my picture was put in the school newsletter for a volunteer award I recieved. School is the place where the kids should shine, not the parents. I was horrified that I was put in the position of being one of "those parents". It sounds like all parents wouldn't feel that way - I feel bad for their kids.

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

Follow up to OP: Just a few weeks ago our church formally partnered with the school. We agree to provide mentors, test proctors, readers, lunch buddies etc for the kids. Also we are planning to do lots of little encouragement things for the staff (birthday acknowledgments, holiday treats, a luncheon every now and then...)

Right now I am thinking "What have we gotten ourselves in for?" Oh well, nobody ever said I get to work with perfect people all the time. Maybe if we can add to the PTA's ongoing attitude of graciousness it will be contagious.