First, I would like to point out two statements that really captured my attention while reading this article.
The opening paragraph itself is one of them:
It describes how our schools are thought of as a place of safety and innocence; a place where childhood is both nurtured and sheltered, so in context, 'adult' situations such as, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender identities are made absent because they are sometimes seen as intrusions into or threats to this safety zone. The use of the phrases 'intrusions into' and 'threats' made me have to reread the paragraph. I underlined the entire sentence because I found it to be very provocative and unsettling. But, I get the author's point. It's a truth that goes unspoken.
The second statement is on page 10:
"Teachers shouldn't 'abdicate their teaching authority' by neglecting to assist children in understanding that certain authorial voices are more worthwhile than others. Rather, as 'directors of conversation' it can be argued that teachers should take responsibility for helping pupils to recognize sexuality and thereby work towards greater social justice."
As a parent of two children in elementary school, I have to be very active in understanding and knowing their surroundings in and out of school. I have to admit, in most cases it is very difficult sitting my kids down and having open and honest discussions regarding whatever issues or questions they may have.
Children are very smart and perceptive. They understand and accept a whole more than we give them credit for. It is the prejudices and ignorance of the adults are then passed down to the children.
Of course it depends on the child's age and maturity level as to how much detailed information they should be given. My children know that some families have two moms and others may have two dads. My eleven year old daughter has had a best friend since the 2nd grade who has to moms. My daughter had come home from school one day with a birthday party invitation from her friend, and she said to me in one breath, "Sara invited me to her birthday party, can I go, and she has to mommies, that's cool."
In my opinion, it is imperative to have open and honest discussions with children at an early age. They must not be made ashamed of theirs or others' sexual orientation. I feel schools and families have to come together on this issue. I know many families will oppose the idea of schools teaching their kids about sex and sexual orientation, but I think if everyone gets involved in this conversation, we can figure out ways that best help our children-the next generation- to be respectful, caring, compassionate and loving to all human beings.
PLEASE TAKE A FEW MINUTES TO READ BELOW ARTICLE. Thank you.
http://health.usnews.com/health-news/news/articles/2013/05/16/anti-gay-bullying-tied-to-teen-depression-suicide
Children are very smart and perceptive. They understand and accept a whole more than we give them credit for. It is the prejudices and ignorance of the adults are then passed down to the children.
Of course it depends on the child's age and maturity level as to how much detailed information they should be given. My children know that some families have two moms and others may have two dads. My eleven year old daughter has had a best friend since the 2nd grade who has to moms. My daughter had come home from school one day with a birthday party invitation from her friend, and she said to me in one breath, "Sara invited me to her birthday party, can I go, and she has to mommies, that's cool."
In my opinion, it is imperative to have open and honest discussions with children at an early age. They must not be made ashamed of theirs or others' sexual orientation. I feel schools and families have to come together on this issue. I know many families will oppose the idea of schools teaching their kids about sex and sexual orientation, but I think if everyone gets involved in this conversation, we can figure out ways that best help our children-the next generation- to be respectful, caring, compassionate and loving to all human beings.
PLEASE TAKE A FEW MINUTES TO READ BELOW ARTICLE. Thank you.
Anti-Gay Bullying Tied to Teen Depression, Suicide
Suicidal thoughts more likely for kids victimized over sexual orientation, research finds
http://health.usnews.com/health-news/news/articles/2013/05/16/anti-gay-bullying-tied-to-teen-depression-suicide
I find it intersting you said it can be difficult speaking to your children about certain issues. I mentioned that in my blog as well. Speaking to our children before teachers do will get them ready for reality.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Marika.
DeleteWe are our children's first source of knowledge. Their values should come from their parents, first and foremost. As we both know, being a parent is not easy.
i agree that it might be discussing issues like this with your children(s) but it is a conversation that you need to have with them at some point in their life.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sarah.
DeleteWe have to be honest with our kids. It is our responsibility to teach them love, respect and compassion toward everyone. And all this have to start with early conversations with them, and always keep the conversation active.
I agree with Maria's statement when she mentioned about the school society. Schools are meant to be a innocent, safe place but the things left out are introducing LGBT into the school and urban cultures around the country.
ReplyDeleteHi Yer, that statement really made me cringe. To say that school is a place of innocence, that our children have to be safe so therefore LGBT cannot be spoken about there. It is such an ignorant and hateful idea. What's why I had to underline that that statement because it really bothered me. Thanks, Yer
DeleteI just love what your daughter came home and said. Sometimes I think that it is so funny how much thought we as adults put into having conversations with children and how little weight the children put into having the conversation.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lauren. You are so right. We as adults make it harder to have conversations than is needs to be.
Delete