The "It's a free country" Argument — Page 3

This is why it is harder and harder for me to go out in public. After working in a classroom where I treat my students with respect and expect respect in return (I would say demand, but that sounds so harsh- lets say that common courtesy and respect are HUGE deals to me as a teacher). I can't stand seeing kids acting rudely or out of control with their parents RIGHT THERE- doing NOTHING. I have actually called children out on their behavior only to have parents look at me as if I were the one out of line. When I see kids acting poorly I have to look away because it is hard for me not to say something.

It is just so frustrating to see behavior like this because I know that if an adult actually made the kids understand that their behavior would not be tolerated that the kids can and will behave properly.

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That happens to me ALL THE TIME Kel. Especially this year, working as a 1st year teacher and a retail job at the same time. I found myself policing the kids in the store sometimes, because the parents didn't seem to feel like parenting was convenient at that particular moment, and finding myself in hot water more than once after reprimanding a child that was misbehaving.

At one place I am paid and expected to discipline children. I expect and demand respect and appropriate behavior at all times. In another I am supposed to ignore said misbehavior as to not "stir the pot". It's hard to remember to turn off the teacher mode sometimes.

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