Stop bringing your younger kid on field trips

[Anonymous]

Good grief folks. The entire point of chaperones is to keep an eye on the kids in the class. If you are going to introduce another kid -- and a toddler at that -- there's no way you are doing your job as a chaperone. This is such common sense I can't believe this is even a thread!

Kids wander off, kids disappear around corners, kids stop to smell the roses when everyone else has moved to the next exhibit. The chaperone's eyes need to be focused on the school kids under their care -- ONLY.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Good grief folks. The entire point of chaperones is to keep an eye on the kids in the class. If you are going to introduce another kid -- and a toddler at that -- there's no way you are doing your job as a chaperone. This is such common sense I can't believe this is even a thread!

Kids wander off, kids disappear around corners, kids stop to smell the roses when everyone else has moved to the next exhibit. The chaperone's eyes need to be focused on the school kids under their care -- ONLY.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My school finally cracked down on this. No siblings in the on field trips or even in school AT ALL except for night events (minus back to school night, where no kids are allowed.)

They allow siblings outside for halloween parade but not inside for the party. So many teachers complained to the PTA and principal that we cracked down on it. Amazing how most of these moms were still able to come sans kids. We also set up a baby sitting swap for SAHM volunteers that has worked really well and has had an huge surge in community and families knowing each other.

To the mom who said she loves bringing her youngest to parties and the class "loves her" - that child is a distraction and the teacher will politely smile but loathe you on the inside.

Actually, the teacher really likes my son and was disappointed when I didn't bring him to one of the class parties. But thanks for making assumptions about her and him.

No they don't. They really don't. They are being polite. We have a party and 20+ kids to take care of. When a mom brings a younger child in, all they do is watch the child. They aren't helping. They are adding two more bodies to an already crowded room.

NP here, but how the hell would you know? You presume to speak for every teacher & child & situation? Just because you are cynical and negative doesn't mean everyone is (thank goodness). I have a toddler. I volunteer in my first grader's classroom during special days, parties, etc. Toddler is in a carrier on my back. My hands are free. I help just as much as the other parents present. The "no siblings ever" mentality is ridiculous, impractical, and a terrible way to foster community. So glad our school is welcoming of (non-dirsruptive) siblings for all sorts of special events. It seems to work out fine.

I am a teacher and the reason most schools put this ban in place is because most kids are disruptive and it should not be on us (the teachers) to decide who stays and who goes. It makes it incredibly awkward which is why your teacher does not say anything. Whether your child is in a backpack or not, there is a liability for your child who is not covered under the student insurance umbrella plan. Please stop directing your anger towards others and try to understand where the schools are coming from. If you want to come and volunteer, it is your job to be there to volunteer for the kids. Not bring other kids to possibly make things worse. And it is not impractical. Many parents have family close-by, preschools the younger kids attend or swap with neighbors or other school parents.

+1, how much is someone really doing with a toddler on their back. Is that really fair to the toddler to be strapped on your back for an hour or two?

Um, just as much work as anyone else since my hands are completely free. Really. Yes, it's fair. Have you ever put your kid in a stroller for an hour? I am so thankful our school is reasonable about these things. Parents bring younger sibs sometimes when they join their kids for lunch. They bring them to school performances and awards ceremonies that occur during the school day. It's not just me, and our school has no policy against it. Maybe all the teachers are silently seething & really great at faking it. But it's allowed, people do it, and I've never seen it cause problems. I am talking about volunteering at school-- not field trips.

Where is this school that lets younger siblings in all day for in-class volunteering, lunch room help, in-school events or school-day ceremonies?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Good grief folks. The entire point of chaperones is to keep an eye on the kids in the class. If you are going to introduce another kid -- and a toddler at that -- there's no way you are doing your job as a chaperone. This is such common sense I can't believe this is even a thread!

Kids wander off, kids disappear around corners, kids stop to smell the roses when everyone else has moved to the next exhibit. The chaperone's eyes need to be focused on the school kids under their care -- ONLY.

+1

+2

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Good grief folks. The entire point of chaperones is to keep an eye on the kids in the class. If you are going to introduce another kid -- and a toddler at that -- there's no way you are doing your job as a chaperone. This is such common sense I can't believe this is even a thread!

Kids wander off, kids disappear around corners, kids stop to smell the roses when everyone else has moved to the next exhibit. The chaperone's eyes need to be focused on the school kids under their care -- ONLY.

That's why I don't let my kid go with specific parents, generally if we cannot go, my child does not go. Everyone's supervision level is different and some is minimal, at best.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My school finally cracked down on this. No siblings in the on field trips or even in school AT ALL except for night events (minus back to school night, where no kids are allowed.)

They allow siblings outside for halloween parade but not inside for the party. So many teachers complained to the PTA and principal that we cracked down on it. Amazing how most of these moms were still able to come sans kids. We also set up a baby sitting swap for SAHM volunteers that has worked really well and has had an huge surge in community and families knowing each other.

To the mom who said she loves bringing her youngest to parties and the class "loves her" - that child is a distraction and the teacher will politely smile but loathe you on the inside.

Actually, the teacher really likes my son and was disappointed when I didn't bring him to one of the class parties. But thanks for making assumptions about her and him.

Does your school age kid attend a private in ward 3? If so, no, the other kids don't in fact love your son. Maybe a few of the girls who are in that baby/toddler gaga stage where they can't wait until they can babysit for cash. But the rest of the kids, including my son? They're sick of your toddler always showing up at parties.

No she does not. Thank God for that because if she did it sounds like we would have to meet people like you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Good grief folks. The entire point of chaperones is to keep an eye on the kids in the class. If you are going to introduce another kid -- and a toddler at that -- there's no way you are doing your job as a chaperone. This is such common sense I can't believe this is even a thread!

Kids wander off, kids disappear around corners, kids stop to smell the roses when everyone else has moved to the next exhibit. The chaperone's eyes need to be focused on the school kids under their care -- ONLY.

That's why I don't let my kid go with specific parents, generally if we cannot go, my child does not go. Everyone's supervision level is different and some is minimal, at best.

I agree. I attended a field trip once and there were chaperones who seemed more interested in chatting with one another than helping supervise the students.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My school finally cracked down on this. No siblings in the on field trips or even in school AT ALL except for night events (minus back to school night, where no kids are allowed.)

They allow siblings outside for halloween parade but not inside for the party. So many teachers complained to the PTA and principal that we cracked down on it. Amazing how most of these moms were still able to come sans kids. We also set up a baby sitting swap for SAHM volunteers that has worked really well and has had an huge surge in community and families knowing each other.

To the mom who said she loves bringing her youngest to parties and the class "loves her" - that child is a distraction and the teacher will politely smile but loathe you on the inside.

Actually, the teacher really likes my son and was disappointed when I didn't bring him to one of the class parties. But thanks for making assumptions about her and him.

No they don't. They really don't. They are being polite. We have a party and 20+ kids to take care of. When a mom brings a younger child in, all they do is watch the child. They aren't helping. They are adding two more bodies to an already crowded room.

NP here, but how the hell would you know? You presume to speak for every teacher & child & situation? Just because you are cynical and negative doesn't mean everyone is (thank goodness). I have a toddler. I volunteer in my first grader's classroom during special days, parties, etc. Toddler is in a carrier on my back. My hands are free. I help just as much as the other parents present. The "no siblings ever" mentality is ridiculous, impractical, and a terrible way to foster community. So glad our school is welcoming of (non-dirsruptive) siblings for all sorts of special events. It seems to work out fine.

I am a teacher and the reason most schools put this ban in place is because most kids are disruptive and it should not be on us (the teachers) to decide who stays and who goes. It makes it incredibly awkward which is why your teacher does not say anything. Whether your child is in a backpack or not, there is a liability for your child who is not covered under the student insurance umbrella plan. Please stop directing your anger towards others and try to understand where the schools are coming from. If you want to come and volunteer, it is your job to be there to volunteer for the kids. Not bring other kids to possibly make things worse. And it is not impractical. Many parents have family close-by, preschools the younger kids attend or swap with neighbors or other school parents.

+1, how much is someone really doing with a toddler on their back. Is that really fair to the toddler to be strapped on your back for an hour or two?

Um, just as much work as anyone else since my hands are completely free. Really. Yes, it's fair. Have you ever put your kid in a stroller for an hour? I am so thankful our school is reasonable about these things. Parents bring younger sibs sometimes when they join their kids for lunch. They bring them to school performances and awards ceremonies that occur during the school day. It's not just me, and our school has no policy against it. Maybe all the teachers are silently seething & really great at faking it. But it's allowed, people do it, and I've never seen it cause problems. I am talking about volunteering at school-- not field trips.

Where is this school that lets younger siblings in all day for in-class volunteering, lunch room help, in-school events or school-day ceremonies?

It's in Arlington. And I didn't say lunchroom help; just parent/sib having lunch with the student.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My school finally cracked down on this. No siblings in the on field trips or even in school AT ALL except for night events (minus back to school night, where no kids are allowed.)

They allow siblings outside for halloween parade but not inside for the party. So many teachers complained to the PTA and principal that we cracked down on it. Amazing how most of these moms were still able to come sans kids. We also set up a baby sitting swap for SAHM volunteers that has worked really well and has had an huge surge in community and families knowing each other.

To the mom who said she loves bringing her youngest to parties and the class "loves her" - that child is a distraction and the teacher will politely smile but loathe you on the inside.

Actually, the teacher really likes my son and was disappointed when I didn't bring him to one of the class parties. But thanks for making assumptions about her and him.

Your post comes across so entitled (and I don't use that word often) and self-centered that I guarantee you she wasn't disappointed. I'm a NP by the way.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Good grief folks. The entire point of chaperones is to keep an eye on the kids in the class. If you are going to introduce another kid -- and a toddler at that -- there's no way you are doing your job as a chaperone. This is such common sense I can't believe this is even a thread!

Kids wander off, kids disappear around corners, kids stop to smell the roses when everyone else has moved to the next exhibit. The chaperone's eyes need to be focused on the school kids under their care -- ONLY.

That's why I don't let my kid go with specific parents, generally if we cannot go, my child does not go. Everyone's supervision level is different and some is minimal, at best.

I agree. I attended a field trip once and there were chaperones who seemed more interested in chatting with one another than helping supervise the students.

+1

Smug, at that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My school finally cracked down on this. No siblings in the on field trips or even in school AT ALL except for night events (minus back to school night, where no kids are allowed.)

They allow siblings outside for halloween parade but not inside for the party. So many teachers complained to the PTA and principal that we cracked down on it. Amazing how most of these moms were still able to come sans kids. We also set up a baby sitting swap for SAHM volunteers that has worked really well and has had an huge surge in community and families knowing each other.

To the mom who said she loves bringing her youngest to parties and the class "loves her" - that child is a distraction and the teacher will politely smile but loathe you on the inside.

Actually, the teacher really likes my son and was disappointed when I didn't bring him to one of the class parties. But thanks for making assumptions about her and him.

Your post comes across so entitled (and I don't use that word often) and self-centered that I guarantee you she wasn't disappointed. I'm a NP by the way.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Good grief folks. The entire point of chaperones is to keep an eye on the kids in the class. If you are going to introduce another kid -- and a toddler at that -- there's no way you are doing your job as a chaperone. This is such common sense I can't believe this is even a thread!

Kids wander off, kids disappear around corners, kids stop to smell the roses when everyone else has moved to the next exhibit. The chaperone's eyes need to be focused on the school kids under their care -- ONLY.

+1

+2

[Anonymous]

I can't believe there are posters here so naive to think their toddlers are welcomed and even missed at the school. I would love to take a poll of teachers who prefer parents bring younger siblings in. Car seats, strollers, backpacks. Who cares. They are disruptive. Even if they aren't crying or making a fuss, they are distracting the kids, other parents who have a job. You aren't there to party and show off your kid. You are there to volunteer. And really those younger kids take up a huge amount of time at home too. Wouldn't it be nice to just volunteer your time to that one kid. I bet he/she would appreciate all of your attention and not the happy or unhappy toddler.

[Anonymous]

This thread is crazy! It is a field trip for pete's sake. Who cares if a kid tags along. Man, some of your panties are twisted so tightly.

[Anonymous]

If you volunteer as a chaperone you are there to help the teacher.