Is There Something Wrong With This Picture?

[MissAnn]

Dad comes in carrying his 4 year old. He is obviously in pain and walking bent over. He said....."Johnny" wouldn't walk in......I did something to my back."

Things like this drive me crazy. Parents......be parents.

[Cat Herder]

But DCB was not crying......

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

But DCB was not crying......

Exactly.

I think many parents indulge their children like this because they feel guilty for leaving them in someone else's care for so many hours of the day. It makes them feel like great parents. Although, it is still baffling every single time I witness it I have grown somewhat accustomed. I always wonder if they'll still be carrying them into a kindergarten classroom.

[MissAnn]

Exactly.

I think many parents indulge their children like this because they feel guilty for leaving them in someone else's care for so many hours of the day. It makes them feel like great parents. Although, it is still baffling every single time I witness it I have grown somewhat accustomed. I always wonder if they'll still be carrying them into a kindergarten classroom.

If parents leave quickly: Kid takes off own coat and shoes and happily goes off to play

If parents linger: Kid makes helpless sounds as if he cannot possible take off own coat and shoes. Parents do it for them. Parents text later to ask if little one is OK because they seemed "off" at drop off. Later in day kid acts as if he cannot put on his own coat/shoes for outside and you say.....Nope, that's your job!

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

All older preschoolers don't bother asking because they know I'll say, "You can do it!! " and walk away. I insist they try on everything, including zipping items for the younger ones, because one of these days they'll get it.

I have put out something before that said, "Doing something for a child that they can do themselves is like telling them they are incapable." and some parents have changed their tune since then (while here). They complain about how their kids don't do it at home to which I always look surprised and say, "Oh really? They do that here every school day."

I totally get the helpless sounds...I totally ignore it and carry on with other children. It is really awkward and even the children know it. Some will ask, "Why is he/she acting like a little kid?"

[MissAnn]

All older preschoolers don't bother asking because they know I'll say, "You can do it!! " and walk away. I insist they try on everything, including zipping items for the younger ones, because one of these days they'll get it.

I have put out something before that said, "Doing something for a child that they can do themselves is like telling them they are incapable." and some parents have changed their tune since then (while here). They complain about how their kids don't do it at home to which I always look surprised and say, "Oh really? They do that here every school day."

I totally get the helpless sounds...I totally ignore it and carry on with other children. It is really awkward and even the children know it. Some will ask, "Why is he/she acting like a little kid?"

We are on the same page. I have olders help youngers too. Some of the youngers are zipping and very proud of it. I think the "not doing things at home that they do at school" very much applies to naps too!