The influence of classmates
Kids, you don’t have to act like everyone else. Don’t let yourself be swayed by the words and actions of those around you. Don’t follow the pack without thinking or questioning.
As long as you’re not disrespecting or endangering others, I want you to focus on what concerns you, and you alone. Make your own choices. Live and let live.
If a child at your school breaks the rules and brings cookies as a snack, I don’t want you to complain or protest.
If I decide that you can’t bring cookies to school, that’s my business. If another mother decides that her child can, that’s her business.
No, I won’t inform your teacher that this student broke the healthy snack rule or ask them to make sure it doesn’t happen again. No, I won’t tell you that the mother is in the wrong and should obey the school’s rules.
Instead, I’ll tell you that every mother has the right to decide what goes into her child’s lunchbox. It’s her decision, and cookies are a perfectly acceptable snack. I’ll tell you that I will continue to give you healthy snacks (most of the time) and that what other parents do is simply none of our business.
I won’t buy you the latest trendy item just because it’s cool and all your friends have one. Fads aren’t always useful or sensible.
They can be expensive, and they often go out of style after only a few weeks.
Keep in mind that you don’t need to have something just because everyone else does. I want you to learn to think about whether you really need the things you want. No, I’m not worried about you being left out. With your great personality and many qualities, I know you’ll be just fine—even without the latest “it” item.
To be honest, I’ll probably give in to your requests on occasion. After doing some research, I might find the latest craze cool, too!
I want you to take responsibility for your actions instead of blaming others.
If you receive a warning for talking in class, I don’t want to hear you say that it’s your friend’s fault for being chatty. If you get in trouble for pushing another kid in the schoolyard, I don’t want to hear that they deserved it because they push you sometimes, too. You are always responsible for your actions, and it’s important to accept the consequences.
I want you to be the masters of your own destinies.
I want you to make the best choices for you. Don’t worry too much about fitting in all the time. Be a critical thinker, but don’t be judgmental. Let others live how they choose.
Finally, I promise I’ll do my best to never accuse anyone of being a bad influence on you, because I believe that you are strong enough to be yourself.
