Recall

And I thought some social workers had way too much power over kids' lives....

The judge rewarded Sparky and DB's birth mom again despite the fact that she's not playing by the rules. She will be allowed to take them out of school (for Drama Boy it's testing week) to a three day parent/child rehab program. This is before she is even permitted unsupervised or overnight visits.

Yeah...ooooookay. After four years they suddenly need to be involved in her rehab? As the social worker said, it's her addiction not theirs and they've been removed from it for a while.

I'm just not gettin' it. Maybe it's just me.

Pirates

Squeaker came home from school today talking to the boys about a movie she had seen in class. "It's not for sale yet but Mr. C brought in a bootleg copy."

Of course, I jumped in and said this is NOT okay even if it was a teacher who did it. This issue has come up repeatedly and it drives me crazy. The boys will come back from spending the night at a friend's house having watched movies at their home which are still in the theater...and not all rated appropriately for 9 year olds. Social workers have offered to burn copies of their personal cds for the kids. Not only would I not allow Squeaker to have some the cds that were offered, but that's illegal, people. I have told the kids repeatedly that making or buying pirated copies of cds and dvds is stealing from the producers and artists who own the copyright.

Teachers and social workers and parents offering stolen entertainment to my kids while I am trying to teach them a value system that applies to their whole life without compromise is frustrating. I am also trying to teach them respect for adults and it's an interesting balancing act when I tell them that these adults that I want them to act respectfully towards are acting in a way in which I do not approve.

This is a small thing, but aggravating nonetheless. Many a conscience has been eroded by such small things.

Dumb Idea?

I just read a few of my posts below and feel the need to ask who in the world of student transportation thought it would be a good idea to combine on a special ed bus "emotionally disturbed" kids with physically disabled kids and then put them in the charge of a nice old guy who doesn't pay attention?

I'm certainly not trying to excuse the behavior of my own emotionally disturbed kid but does that really seem like a good idea to somebody out there? I suggested to Squeaker's teacher that maybe they should have Federal Marshalls ride along like airlines do.

He laughed so I don't really think he took it seriously.