I heard that there are some schools that don't allow students to hand out things like valentines or party invitations in school. They don't want to "traumatize" those students who don't receive an invite. I heard this story today.
A young girl, 6th grade, had a friend that was more like a playground buddy than a friend actually. The friend came to class and handed out invitations for a party at her house.. but this young girl didn't get one. When her father heard, what do you think he could've done? Could he call the friend's parents and demand an invite? Could he take his daughter to the party anyway... and gone in to confront the mother? What would that have accomplished?
His daughter said she was OK with not being invited. She said she should go get a little gift though. Seeing this little girl hurting, he wanted so badly to call the parents. He didn't though. He knew his daughter needed to learn to handle disappointment. She had to learn how to handle rejection. She had to learn to handle being shunned. Though he hurt for her, he knew he could do nothing but help her understand it wouldn't be the last time.
He knew there were parents who want to be friends with their kids. They call each other by first names and serve as the kids personal posse if they get into trouble. They go to the schools to force teachers to change grades, they go to court and argue with the judge. They try to be their friend... not their parent. As a result, their kids lack the tools to handle disappointment. They don't have the social skills needed to deal with rejection. They lash out with guns, knives, or baseball bats and they don't understand the consequences. They expect mom will be there for them. They walk into schools with firearms and take out students and teachers because they've never been taught the value of life. Sadly, as just happened today, some take their lives because they cannot handle being 13.
Parents cannot, and should not, be "friends" with their children. They need to teach, nurture and discipline their children. If you think you don't have time, or you're a single parent, take a look at the story of Dr. Ben Carson. His mom worked more jobs than you do... had less than you do... and she was a parent.
If you really want your kids to be good people, if you really want to do them a favor... BE A PARENT!
The story of the dad and little girl was told by Glen Beck this morning. He said it was his little girl who did not get invited.
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