The Trashiest Moments in Parental Control: Insights from an Educator

As a teacher, I have witnessed a wide array of parental behaviors that range from inspiring to astonishing. However, there are a few moments that truly stand out as both trashy and concerning. My experience as a suramic teacher has provided unique insights into how parents handle their children's extracurricular activities, while my role as a high school teacher has given me a different perspective on the issue of over-control in parenting.

The Suramic Studio Incident

During a class where I was teaching elderly women how to create mugs on a wheel, a group of three parents dropped off their kids and left to get drinks. However, one of the elderly women who was teaching me personally dragged one of the mothers back into the suramic studio. With a firm tone, she declared, 'We aint no daycare if I could raise five kids and two grandchildren then you can.' This was an utterly disrespectful and unprofessional behavior that was unbelievably difficult to witness.

Parental Insults and Threats

One incident that stands out was when a woman threatened her own child with physical violence. During a lesson, a parent told her child, 'Your teeth will be floating at the back of your throat.' This was not only an insult but a grave threat of physical harm. It was deeply concerning and a stark reminder of the damage that can be done by overly aggressive parenting.

The Arguments and Drunken Grandmother

There have been numerous instances of arguments among parents during school activities. One particular incident, where a mother and stepmother argued in front of the entire class, added to the list of trashy parental moments. However, the most depressing was when a grandmother showed up drunk at a school awards presentation. While not trashy, the scene was pathetic and a clear sign of insecurity and immaturity.

A Student's Perspective and Parental Control

One student, named Z, stands out as a shining example of what a bright future could be, given the right conditions. Z is a sophomore with perfect grades, an outgoing personality, and a diverse interest in everything from anime to k-dramas to theatre. She was a member of the Homecoming Committee, which in our small high school, is a significant event. However, despite her pivotal role in planning Homecoming, her parents have repeatedly denied her the opportunity to attend.

The Homecoming Committee Members

While her two junior friends from the Homecoming Committee were able to attend, Z was not. Upon questioning her, she revealed that her parents would not allow her to attend. Initially, I thought they might just be overprotective. But upon further investigation, I learned that Z had planned Homecoming herself and was legally old enough to participate. Her parents' refusal to allow her to attend was quite telling. They insisted that Z not attend 'parties' and go out with friends. Perhaps most distressingly, Z and her best friend P, who have been friends for four years, are not allowed to meet outside of school. P's parents are wonderfully supportive and P is an equally remarkable student.

Parental Over-control and Its Consequences

These strict rules and controls show a parent's deep insecurity and lack of trust in their ability to raise their child in a safe and healthy environment. Despite Z's perfect grades and her ideal behavior, her parents' over-control is preventing her from gaining the social and emotional freedom necessary to develop and succeed. The restrictions on her social life are deeply hypocritical, as her parents have also imposed strict demands such as visiting the children's section of the library until a very young age and moving with the family if Z decides to go to a college outside the state. Clearly, such control indicates a lack of confidence in her ability to make her own decisions. I sincerely hope that Z will gain more freedom in the future to thrive and succeed in her endeavors.

Conclusion

The examples provided shed light on the various trashy and controlling behaviors exhibited by some parents. These actions not only affect the child's development but also reflect on the parents' trust in their own abilities and the wider society's expectations of responsible parenting. As educators, we cannot ignore these issues as they significantly impact our students' well-being and future success. It is crucial to raise awareness about the importance of reasonable parental control and the negative effects of extreme over-control.