Darn Kool-Aid Drinkers

Darn Kool-Aid Drinkers, originally uploaded by Sparky2*.

So far - in our schools - the little ones have been stripped of anything resembling "party" or fun. This year's Valentine thing was 15 minutes of sit-in-your-seat-on-your-hands-no-talking while we pass out a pencil and "acceptable" snack and your pre-approved, standardized, pre-packaged Valentines addressed to whom it may concern.

No more school carnivals with cake walks, fishing for candy prizes or caramel apples. No more birthdays at school where your mom brings cupcakes and the class sings Happy Birthday and you soak up 30 seconds of glory for being the reason for the cupcakes. No more sharing homemade cookies with a friend at lunch without permission from the other parent. All decisions will be made for you, thankyouverymuch.

Well. So far. At home. As long as we're allowed the freedom to do so. We will continue to actually encourage being a kid and at the same time we will teach them how to choose responsibly.

p.s. Before I get notes about the Kool-Aid ... it's sugar-free, I use filtered water, and snacks this time were string cheese and apples ... although to be honest, we do allow the occasional cookie, pastry, ice cream, pie, cake ....

Uploaded by Sparky2* on 16 Feb 09, 7.57PM CST.