Here’s everything they had to say:
1.
“First, we had helicopter parents, but now they are lawn mower parents.
Their goal is to remove any and all obstacles in the way of their child’s happiness and success.
They give a shot to ‘mow down’ anyone who poses a threat to their children not being first.
“I teach kindergarten in a western state, and we have seen huge changes.
The three largest are…”
3.
“I’ve been teaching in elementary schools for 20 years.
Parents today shield their children from any kind of disappointment.
Managing disappointment and other difficult emotions is an important life skill.
But some parents can’t handle seeing their child sad.”
This backfires when the inevitable happens, and something doesn’t go their child’s way.”
Anonymous
4.
“Parents getting defensive every time you mention their kid needs extra help at home with something.
I am not your enemy!
We are on the same team.
I am trying to help your child to be a successful person.”
pazna213
6.
“I’ve been a university teacher for close to 20 years.
The current students have not been taught by their parents to take any responsibility for their actions.
(Cont’d) “Skill levels are lower than they used to be.
High school teachers are exhausted by being blamed and just pass kids not to have to deal with parents.
Kids need to be taught to take responsibility and be held accountable.
Parents are not teaching this.”
“I’ve been teaching in the NYC public schools for 27 years.
“I’m a middle school teacher, 20 years in.
Now, when you call a parent, it’s ‘What did you do to my child?’
“I teach 6th grade at an elementary school.
For me, it would have to be how much parents let their children be on social media.
It is absolutely wild.
We had an assembly once where the speaker asked students how often they are on their phones at night.
The majority said over 10+ hours.
It’s mostly TikTok.”
“I called home for a failing student and the parent asked me what I would do.
I told the parent I would take the kid’s phone away until their grades increased.
The parent said, ‘Oh no, I’d never do that.
How would I text them at school?’
Says about all you’re gonna wanna say.”
“High school teacher, teaching 18 years.
Mom, news of your promotion can be celebrated when the kids get home!!!”
“The ‘gentle parenting’ trend.
No discipline or accountability.
No, thank you.”
I have a curriculum to follow and learning targets to hit.
12.“Bargaining.
“The recent parenting trend of avoiding the word ‘no’ is ridiculous.
For example, many parenting accounts say to save ‘no’ for emergencies like running into traffic.
Practicing with normal language at home is the only way for them to learn that skill.
‘No’ isn’t a bad thing!”
“I am a substitute teacher who is booked every day.
I teach K- 5 and see every grade level.
I cannot understand the complete lack of basic manners and respect I see in classrooms.
“It’s disgusting and sad, especially for the small number of kids who DO have manners.
And it’s a complete reflection of parenting.
Parents need to do better for the future of their children.”
“Not punishing or correcting children when they misbehave.
“I own two large preschools, so I see A LOT.
Hugged him and bought him a new book at the book fair on the way out.”
This is the very definition of rewarding bad behavior.
There is no better gift you’ve got the option to give.”
creativewolf943
17.
“Not setting boundaries and allowing your child to walk all over you.
“It’s ok to allow your child to have a tantrum.
I see these poor kids bogged down by so many activities, and very few are willing participants.
I feel like their childhood is being hijacked.
Let them be bored!
Or just hang out with their friends doing NOTHING.”
“I’ve noticed a huge uptick in the lack of focus, ability to concentrate and think critically.
My students Google EVERYTHING, even opinion questions.
I make a run at mitigate this by giving paper copies, which is always met with groans.
And no one ever has a writing utensil, even if I just gave them one last period.”
“There’s a lack of accountability from both students AND their parents.
“I’ve been a teacher and principal for 31 years.
Lack of sleep is one of the biggest changes I’ve noticed.
Using devices, going to bed with devices, and late-night video gaming contribute to children being exhausted.
“4th grade teacher here.
Specifically, I see parents helping their children avoid school simply because they did not complete assignments or projects.
This isn’t even due to a family emergency.”
This approach undermines the importance of responsibility and accountability in education.”
“I’ve been teaching for 10 years.
Anytime a kid says ‘it’s not fun’ or ‘it’s hard,’ they get pulled out.
“This is my 7th year teaching at a homeschool parent partnership program.
Your child’s education is not an ‘aesthetic.'”
They don’t teach their kids basic manners, social skills, or that actions have consequences.
Nothing is ever the kid’s fault.
These kids are so apathetic, unmotivated, and entitled.
It’s wild.”
Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.
