Bubble wrap

Firstly, I don't profess nor am I misguided in believing that I am a perfect parent. Just by observing my children, my actions, and what the miniature miscreants say about me is enough to keep my ego in check. Soooo, when I rant about children, parents and the world in general, it's because I live on the edge of my glass house and when my shoulder is not bothering me I have a hell of a throwing arm. 

Ok, so this rant, er blog, is fuelled by the snow banks at the local public school that have construction cones on them. 

Snow banks are off limits at the school. 

In particular the snow bank that is safely tucked behind the school. And thank heavens for that!  What a menacing abomination! Standing at 3.5 feet tall, away from any play structure, building or roadway...taunting children...whispering enticements. Could you imagine the horror if kids played on it?! Thank goodness it has pylons on top to deter. 

Thanks for nothing. 

When did it happen? When did children start needing to be bubble wrapped? I looked on the school supply list and nowhere is bubble wrap mentioned. Nor is helmets, esteem booster, or mommy/lawyer on speed dial (I think electronic devices were listed). School ground play structures are off limits to students unless supervised by a teacher at a specific time...which means NOT before school. So, no play structures and no snow banks....which stands to reason since kid's can't play king of the castle since that may indicate a less than level playing field....no punn intended.  

Where am I going with this? Well, because snow banks are forbidden, and I want my children to respect the rules as laid out by the misguided,... I mean administration... I am put into a position of disciplining my child when he, climbs onto said snow bank. Again, thanks for nothing. Now my mini mountain climber is grounded (things escalated when I removed him from the snow bank). 

I obviously don't agree that the snow bank is THE problem. Kid's not knowing how to take turns, be gentle, act safely..is THE problem. And that stuff is self correcting. The kids don't need teacher supervision and pilons...they need experience. 

Kids need to 'kid'. 

Kids need to learn that the biggest kid is not a great choice for the top of a piggy pile. Kids need to learn that putting arms out is a way to break a fall (and the occasional arm). Kids need to learn how to sign casts. Kids need to learn that not everyone is their friend nor does everyone need to be their friend. Kids need to learn that snow banks on the side of the road are not something to play on but the ones safely in the middle of a school ground are. Kid's need to be given the opportunity to make decisions. They will suck at it. And as they get more chances and more experience they will suck less. I'm not suggesting kids get free reign...parents still need to parent. If snow banks are against your family's core values then instill that into YOUR child (not the school rules). 

And now I need to clean the windows of my glass house.  If only there was a snow bank close enough so that I could do the outside.