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School Zone: Parents, please behave
By: Wallace McCormick, Contributing Columnist
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Posted by WalMcC
Fri Dec 21, 2007 14:19:01 PST
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At the movies not long ago, an older guy, (meaning my age), who should have known better, 5 seats down from me in my row took a phone call … while Will Smith is in the dark trying to save his dog in a building occupied by “things”. I was angry and wanted to force a confrontation, but then I would be wrecking the moment for hundreds in the theatre rather than the 30 or so around this jerk who were also upset by his actions. So I decided to write a column about manners at school. I think I have the next 4 columns covered. No, not table manners but rather the appropriate social manners for adults in the specialized setting that is school. Remember adults … you are role models and setting examples that your children will follow. When it comes to adult behavior influencing children it is not what you say but what you actually do and practice that children will emulate. [Readers Note: My wife says with this column I’m preaching again … as always she is right. You don’t stay married for going on 36 years to a woman who is smarter and has better judgment without learning to say “Yes Dear, you are right” A LOT. My guess is that those who read this will understand and most likely agree with the message. Those who might be offended will most likely not read or understand the sermon.]
My sermon this month is parent behavior at school Performances, Events & Assemblies
When it comes to performances, events and assemblies where parents are invited it is a common theme for school people to complain about the awful behavior of adults. It’s as if the advent of T.V. and “On Demand” everything that we have lost a generation of people who know how to behave at a live event. Not every live event is a rock concert, nor is it in your living room where you can talk or walk around at will. At school events audience members should remain respectfully quiet so the student performers can be heard. Audience members should not stand up, blocking the view of the people behind you in order to video tape, wave or get that photo. Do not get up and leave a performance once your child’s 20 seconds of stage time is done. Everyone in the room is there to see their children and to demonstrate, by action, how to behave.
Band and Choir directors are always rightfully indignant of parents who get up and leave as soon as their child’s portion of a concert is completed. It is always good manners to attend the entire concert and demonstrate listening and applauding at the appropriate time. Appreciate what all these children have done to prepare for the concert. Concerts and student performances are not just about you and your child. As a great Band Director I know succinctly explained, parents need to “Be on time, Be Quiet, Be there for the entire performance and Be positive and supportive of all the children.”
Since I am on this rant I have to add a special codicil for 8th grade graduations. Air horns and screaming your child’s name during graduation is the height of rudeness. Instead of screaming “I Love You!” at the top of your lungs in an assembly holding 2,000 people coming to watch 400 8th graders at a graduation ceremony, try telling your child you love them every day in a quiet manner. Prove your love and parenting abilities every day and you will not have to compensate through loud public displays.
