My Life, My Children

The news is scary. I don’t understand society. I live in the Midwest, just north of Indianapolis, Indiana to be exact. Our news this week covered a story where children at Indianapolis bus stops were being robbed of their lunch money and backpacks. One child had to have stitches. These children were robbed at gunpoint. I can’t imagine. I don’t understand. Lunch money isn’t going to make anyone rich. Approaching children at gun point just doesn’t seem right. I can’t argue why. My emotions are just disgusted and I shake my head every time I think about it. I feel sad for the world my daughters are growing up in. I fear for their safety. There is no place sacred for children anymore. Nor are they out of reach of criminals. I hope once found, these criminals are seriously dealt with and I am not so concerned about being fair and just about it!

My daughter is a kindergartner. I understand all schools have their social problems. We live in a rather affluent area of town and our school systems rating is off the charts. With that given, she has a fellow student who is constantly in trouble. With frequent trips to the principles office, there isn’t many a day that passes that she doesn’t tell me about how this child got in trouble. Problem being, my daughter is being bullied from time to time by this student. It isn’t just verbal but at times it includes touching and poking. Nothing majorly physical but some. I volunteer in the classroom once a month and have seen this behavior first hand. To the point, I have even seen this child talk back saying “I’m already in trouble” - as if anything else that is done doesn’t matter since privileges have already been taken away. Again, I point out this is kindergarten. I am amazed. What amazes me more, this child is a girl. Does that surprise you? Am I being sexist in my shock? I guess we have lived a sheltered life and socialize with a small circle of friends. I was shocked by the behavior of some students especially given their young age. We are constantly reviewing our decision to attend public school and weighing our option to homeschool.