Let it all hangout -- The Grumpies, whinies, complainies Get It Off Your Chest Thread....

[pearlsngems]

Today, the tells me, a student threw a dry eraser that struck her back. Apparently some of the students who saw it were upset (but no one said who did it.) The VP came and sat in on the class for the rest of the period, but that is shutting the barn door after the horse has gone out.
Report cards are going out this week. A number of the students have incomplete or failing grades from not having done their work.

Well, she is certainly having an eye-opening first year of teaching.

 

[Lookinagain]

Today, the tells me, a student threw a dry eraser that struck her back. Apparently some of the students who saw it were upset (but no one said who did it.)

Maybe they need cameras in the classroom to catch the trouble makers. The other students know who did it but are afraid to say. It's really sad that schools can be like this today.

 

[vintageinjune]

Maybe they need cameras in the classroom to catch the trouble makers. The other students know who did it but are afraid to say. It's really sad that schools can be like this today.

I was just thinking this as well!

My parents would have been horrified if any of their children exhibited such behaviors, including the failing grades.

 

[pearlsngems]

Maybe they need cameras in the classroom to catch the trouble makers. The other students know who did it but are afraid to say. It's really sad that schools can be like this today.

I agree and told her so.

 

[dk168]

Apparently some of the students who saw it were upset (but no one said who did it.)

This reminded me of a very valuable life lesson when I was 15yo.

I went along with a decision that I was not happy with due to peer pressure from my schoolmates.

The headmistress offered me immunity from being punished if I would described what had happened.

I refused as I was not stupid enough to realise life as a grass/snitch would be very difficult for me at a boarding school.

So I was punished along with all the others.

However, I made sure they knew it was the last time I would be shoehorned and get involved into any of their games and to break any rules again.

I guess I learned about having the courage to stand up for myself and not to be a sheep at the time, which served me well to this day.

DK

 

[dk168]

Ignore, delete, block, report etc. etc... works for me when it comes to social media.

DK

 

[seaurchin]

Today, the tells me, a student threw a dry eraser that struck her back. Apparently some of the students who saw it were upset (but no one said who did it.) The VP came and sat in on the class for the rest of the period, but that is shutting the barn door after the horse has gone out.
Report cards are going out this week. A number of the students have incomplete or failing grades from not having done their work.

Well, she is certainly having an eye-opening first year of teaching.

That is absolutely ridiculous, especially since it's more than a one-time occurrence.

I recommend her putting hidden cameras in the classroom. I don't think it's that hard to do. Then press charges for assault.

 

[dk168]

That is absolutely ridiculous, especially since it's more than a one-time occurrence.

I recommend her putting hidden cameras in the classroom. I don't think it's that hard to do. Then press charges for assault.

It depends, in this day and age, if the school needs to jump through hoops before they can be installed for concerns with privacy and safeguarding, etc. etc...

DK

 

[dk168]

This a happy grumble and not one of my usual grumpy grumble!

Outfit dilemmas now that I have more opportunities to attend formal evening events with "Black Tie" dress code.

Handbags and shoes are unlikely to change - black and black. Waist down will be a long black skirt.

However, the top can change, and so will the jewellery.

Should I start a spreadsheet to record what I wore to minimise duplications?!

DK

 

[pearlsngems]

That is absolutely ridiculous, especially since it's more than a one-time occurrence.

I recommend her putting hidden cameras in the classroom. I don't think it's that hard to do. Then press charges for assault.

It would be legal here in CT, and another district in this state has surveillance cameras in its schools, but her district does not seem to have them. There are so many considerations, not the least of which is cost. And audio would have to be disabled.

 

[dk168]

This a happy grumble and not one of my usual grumpy grumble!

Outfit dilemmas now that I have more opportunities to attend formal evening events with "Black Tie" dress code.

Handbags and shoes are unlikely to change - black and black. Waist down will be a long black skirt.

However, the top can change, and so will the jewellery.

Should I start a spreadsheet to record what I wore to minimise duplications?!

DK

I found the jewellery combination for my neck and earrings that I like with the top I intend to wear, after trying different combinations involving:
- 5 different pairs of earring drops with my tiny EMD huggies (2 pairs of CSs, and 2 pairs of pearls and the EMD paved drops)
- 2 other pairs of earrings (a pair of EMD hoops and my mum's clip on EMD earrings)
- 3 different pearl necklaces

I settled for my mother's clip on EMD earrings and a strand of 9-10 gem quality CFWPs with EMD roundels as it is slightly longer and look better with the top which as a very low neckline (made way too low for my liking which I did not realise until I received them in the post, and shall wear a slip to preserve my modesty as I don't like to show the top of my bra).

Interestingly, I had started to consider converting the EMD hoops and my mum's wedding earrings as I don't wear them often enough. I believe I am going to keep them as earrings now.

A happy grumble!

DK

 

[dk168]

Why do complete strangers think they have the right to criticise how I spend my money and time???

I posted about I would like to dine at a fancy expensive restaurant and could book well in advance etc., for some unknown stranger to comment about I obviously have too much money to spare and I should consider giving some to those in need such as the homeless etc...

So I responded her comment was presumptuous when she has no idea about my circumstances etc...

Then blocked her!

Very recently, I provided advise in another message board open to the public to view, when a newbie asked for advice, for him to tell me off for responding and that I should mind my own business. So I reported him to the admin for being rude. He has not posted again since, probably kicked out of the board.

DK

 

[pearlsngems]

@dk168, perhaps the person who said you have too much money to spare, and should give it to those in need, has too much time to spare, and ought to consider spending their time volunteering to help those in need. Pot, kettle, black.

 

[dk168]

@dk168, perhaps the person who said you have too much money to spare, and should give it to those in need, has too much time to spare, and ought to consider spending their time volunteering to help those in need. Pot, kettle, black.

She will have a field day in PS for the amount of money we spent on our jewellery!!!

DK

 

[monarch64]

@dk168, perhaps the person who said you have too much money to spare, and should give it to those in need, has too much time to spare, and ought to consider spending their time volunteering to help those in need. Pot, kettle, black.

That is a PERFECT response!

 

[monarch64]

Why do complete strangers think they have the right to criticise how I spend my money and time???

I posted about I would like to dine at a fancy expensive restaurant and could book well in advance etc., for some unknown stranger to comment about I obviously have too much money to spare and I should consider giving some to those in need such as the homeless etc...

So I responded her comment was presumptuous when she has no idea about my circumstances etc...

Then blocked her!

Very recently, I provided advise in another message board open to the public to view, when a newbie asked for advice, for him to tell me off for responding and that I should mind my own business. So I reported him to the admin for being rude. He has not posted again since, probably kicked out of the board.

DK

PS is really the only place I feel somewhat safe posting. I know the crowd, we’re mostly anonymous but many have similar or at least relatable lifestyles—although we have our ups and downs—and if someone here was rude like that, it wouldn’t be tolerated nor accepted. I have found that things we post comfortably about here are cause for attack on other sites. We are so fortunate to still have PS after all these years.

 

[dk168]

PS is really the only place I feel somewhat safe posting. I know the crowd, we’re mostly anonymous but many have similar or at least relatable lifestyles—although we have our ups and downs—and if someone here was rude like that, it wouldn’t be tolerated nor accepted. I have found that things we post comfortably about here are cause for attack on other sites. We are so fortunate to still have PS after all these years.

Very true.

My social circles outside PS do not appreciate my bling habit, and they would be shocked how much I spend on blings.

DK

 

[diamondringlover]

my turn....sanding drywall sucks.....just saying...I am too old for this crap...time to whip out the checkbook and call someone.....ugh...12:30 PM and I already need a drink....been on vacation all week and all I have done is work and work and work in this stupid house...sorry rant over (off to make a bourbon coffee)

 

[Matata]

Ack, cough, the warm glow of being a newbie nana wore off when I shopped for baby clothes this morning. Lotta $$$$$ for stuff that won't be worn very long...but the outfits are so dang cute....

 

[canuk-gal]

Ack, cough, the warm glow of being a newbie nana wore off when I shopped for baby clothes this morning. Lotta $$$$$ for stuff that won't be worn very long...but the outfits are so dang cute....

Impossible to resist!!! Ya get totally sucked in.......

 

[monarch64]

Ack, cough, the warm glow of being a newbie nana wore off when I shopped for baby clothes this morning. Lotta $$$$$ for stuff that won't be worn very long...but the outfits are so dang cute....

Oh boy, there is soooo much stuff on resale sites, a lot of it (of course) NWT. But that can be dangerous, too…

 

[Dee*Jay]

 

[Lookinagain]

Ack, cough, the warm glow of being a newbie nana wore off when I shopped for baby clothes this morning. Lotta $$$$$ for stuff that won't be worn very long...but the outfits are so dang cute....

Buy something small and then set up a college fund and put some money in there. Or buy something season appropriate in the 18 mo to 2 T size that they will need later, those may be worn longer. Newborn clothes don't even fit a lot of newborns.

 

[dk168]

Ack, cough, the warm glow of being a newbie nana wore off when I shopped for baby clothes this morning. Lotta $$$$$ for stuff that won't be worn very long...but the outfits are so dang cute....

The only time, for nano seconds, I thought it would great to have a baby so that I could buy and dress him/her in Baby Gap clothes many years ago.

A double-pram with 2 screaming kids brought me back to earth, and I realised I could do the same by getting a doll/teddy bear and dress it up instead.

I never bought a doll/teddy bear though.

DK

 

[dk168]

Added to my jewellery combinations to try for tomorrow's black tie event: I needed to find a suitable pearl ring!

I have 4: a WSS, a black Tahitian, a SoC baroque/semi-round, and a SoC mabe.

I knew it was a toss between the WSS or the SoC mabe, the WSS won.

DK

 

[Alybird]

The principal and vice principal know what goes on and are actually very supportive. It's not just her; all the teachers in her school are dealing with worse than usual behavior from the kids this year. Not an evening goes by that she doesn't have to phone or text some of the parents about schoolwork not being done or poor classroom behavior. But the parents are often part of the problem; some don't even check their kids' grades on the parent portal.

I asked her why she thinks this may be a worse year and she said that last year there were too many long-term subs-- because of the teacher shortage-- which resulted in kids falling behind academically and unlearning how to behave. She says few students are working at grade level.

This is her first year teaching, which makes it all the more challenging. It's a magnet school; kids have to enter a lottery to get in. It seems to me that a number of the kids need extra help, but where is that to come from? Kids cannot be kept after school for it. They have to go home on the buses at dismissal time.

Whenever I hear stories like this, I'm both saddened and not surprised.

Not surprised because this is starting to become the norm in all schools, including upscale/Blue Ribbon/prestigious private schools.

Saddened because no teacher should have to deal with this. The education system is totally failing students and kids these days.

And added to that, some parents try to shift the responsibility of parenting onto the teachers and this is not only impossible but also ridiculously emotionally taxing. Success for the most part starts with solid structures and peace in the home. Yet, parents are so overburdened and under heavy pressure these days that it seems an insurmountable task to create a sense of stability at home, and this results in maladjusted behaviors.

Anyway, my heart goes out to your daughter! The middle school ages are especially rough because unlike with small kids, when disrespect is dished out, it is usually intended and that is maddening. Haha.

I teach very PT right now at a private studio. I see mostly well off kids as well as kids from "normal" backgrounds although that's all relative bc it's the difference between children who have drivers and horses vs children who are well provided for yet don't necessarily live luxury lifestyles. The one thing they all have in common is tons of stress and anxiety. The fact that a 1st grader once strung together the sentence "I'm so stressed out about everything." told me everything I needed to know about what it must feel like growing up these days.

 

[Lookinagain]

The one thing they all have in common is tons of stress and anxiety. The fact that a 1st grader once strung together the sentence "I'm so stressed out about everything." told me everything I needed to know about what it must feel like growing up these days.

I'm not a teacher, and my daughter has been out of school for years, but do you think the stress these kids feel is because their parents pressure them so much to be super stars?

 

[Alybird]

I'm not a teacher, and my daughter has been out of school for years, but do you think the stress these kids feel is because their parents pressure them so much to be super stars?

It depends. I want to say for the most part yes but also no because the pressure itself is the effect, not the cause. The cause is the fear parents feel about raising the child in general. And also all of the insanely conflicting messages children are getting from their environment, in school, from the media and from peers.

They're inheriting a world that is way more chaotic and competitive than ever. So even though the kids or their parents may not fully realize it, the behaviors I see are shaped by this constant anxious need for attention and validation. It takes serious concerted effort to raise an emotionally balanced kid these days and some new/young parents are ill-equipped to navigate the challenges.

Some parents are so status conscious and have an abundance of resources that it is unconscionable to not have their child perform well as it reflects poorly on them. For some reason, kids from this background perform super well yet suffer from achievement dysmorphia believing it's never good enough. So my strategy with these kids is to help them separate their performance from their self-worth and who they are.

Other parents think they can throw money at problems to make up for a lack of genuine connection at home. The assumption is that well, of course this kid is going to be on par because they've been given every advantage and opportunity. This one is harder to navigate as it involves turning the mirror on the parent and (kindly) helping them see that even though they expect their child to be one way, they are actually their own little people and need genuine love and support to become better versions of themselves.

The more normal kids suffer from a feeling of social unease especially among more affluent kids. They have the opportunity but contend with social and cultural barriers so feel pressure to make up for it in other ways. Whether they like it or not, the pressure to do well on top of all of the other aspects is ever-present. As much as possible, with these kids, I am conscious to be gentle and firm at the same time. Feels impossible sometimes but that's probably because it feels just as impossible for them as well.

Anyway, I have major compassion fatigue lol. I want to stop teaching badly at times (and I'm in a position where I can easily pivot) but then everyone I tell this to finds it to be a head-scratcher because I've built strong positive relationships with the kids and parents. Teaching isn't all I do. Because I work in an exclusive and private environment, it takes up relatively little time yet so much emotional effort. I don't actually have a desire to know so much about these kids or their families and home lives but it comes with the territory.

In the decade I've worked in education, I've seen a major shift in behavior. Covid chaos might've had something to do with it too. Sometimes kids casually joke about the world ending. Can relate. If that's the end game, why bother, right? Unfortunately for me it's my job to convince them that worldly chaos does not exempt them from shirking their responsibility to themselves to live their life well.

Wow, long response. Sermon over! Haha.

 

[jeaniefish]

I could have taken that same picture in the ladies bathroom at my dentist last week! After 2 hrs of torture in “ the chair”, I stagger off to the bathroom. Note to self: check the dispenser before you sit down!!! Fortunately, I had a tissue in my pocket…but to whomever it was that didn‘t report the empty dispenser to a staff member: I HOPE THAT SANTA ONLY BRINGS YOU NOTHING BUT COAL THIS CHRISTMAS!!

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

My stars or cookies aren't aligned. Every time I go to search WF, BN etc etc for stuff, I place parameters that don't get accepted...and sends me to some random default.

I guess the "small" stuff I am looking for isn't acceptable!

cheers--Sharon