Me Parent *smacks self in chest* You Teacher *smacks teacher in chest* *grunts and swings from tree to tree*

Isn't my title hilarious?!?! NO...oh okay. *clears throat and walks away*

What is the proper ummm.."technique" for punishing your child when they have done something that landed them in trouble during school hours?? I have ALWAYS wondered how other people go about doing this. Yes, I know it probably depends on what it was your child did in the first place. But, I mean the old "one punishment is enough" rule, when should that apply??

When do you decide to add extra punishment at home or when do you feel like the punishment that the school leaders gave was suffice?? I mean sometimes my kid/s get in to "trouble" at school for some of the most moronic things that I would have NEVER even thought twice was anything to reprimand them for in the first place. And what do you say to that?! I mean really, I try to be supportive of our schools and everything but there are just some things that I have to let go over my head or else I am going to say something against what was said. It is so very sad that kids nowadays have to have 2 sets of rules. One for home. One for school. Now, don't get me wrong, EVERYONE should have rules and I understand some households have NO rules. But, and that is a HUGE but, I don't think the school districts should make rules that are too far 'out there'. I know the schools put certain restraints on certain things because they just have to with being in a HUGE POPULATED BUILDING with a bunch of diverse little kids. But sometimes, enough is enough.

These 'little' kids STILL have to be kids. If you take that away from them then what do they have? Nothing really. They are even MORE lost than they normally are. Kids do NOT know how to 'act' like adults. You cannot make them who they will become when they are adults. Yes, you can try to shape and mold them. But ultimately, it is their choice to become who they become. That is what distinguishes a child to a grownup. And yes, there are MANY 'grownups' out there that still have not grownup. I don't think coming down on these kids for piddly little things will make a positive difference in the long run, I think letting them be kids and punishing them for the things that matter will definitely make them stronger, responsible, and fun lighthearted adults. Choose your battles. That is a statement I whole heartedly believe in. Don't be 'the ruler', be the friend, the confidant. Anymore we want these school age kids to NOT take matters into their own hands, we want them to come to us adults for support and guidance. But how are these kids going to really believe and feel that they can do that when most every thing they do, as kids, seems to be the wrong thing or the 'bad' thing.

I believe in punishment where punishment is deserved. BUT...I also believe in letting children be children. Teens be teens. They WILL grow up some day. It WILL be up to them who they become. As long as they have a chance in life, and that is what our school districts are here to do. They give our kids a chance to become something more. Teach them with your mind, love them with your hearts, and mold them with your patience. You canNOT 'fix' everyone and while you are trying, don't ruin the ones that have great potential.