Story Created:
Jun 12, 2009 at 12:19 PM PST
Story Updated:
Jun 12, 2009 at 12:19 PM PST
Dear Karen: I visited my son’s elementary school the other day and was totally disgusted when I met his teacher. This woman, whom he adores, had on a low-cut top revealing a tattoo on her breast. She also had tattoos running up her leg. I can’t tell you the arguments we have over his desire, at age 10, to get a tattoo. What is our education system coming to that teachers are displaying tattoos and setting such an example for our children? Am I that far out of touch with what’s acceptable behavior?
Tattoo-Free Mom
Dear Tattoo Free: I’m not sure I could have spoken if I’d visited a classroom and been approached by a teacher with visible tattoos. No doubt, my mouth would still be hanging open. If things have changed so much that tattoos are acceptable for teachers in elementary school, then we can stand in line together under the heading, “out of touch.”
I think children are too impressionable and teachers should set an example of appropriate workplace attire and behavior. I have no idea whether schools have dress codes for teachers, but if they don’t, perhaps we should re-visit that old-fashioned concept. Children never fail to imitate those who they look up to, and teachers certainly fit that bill. If teachers choose not to cover their tattoos, by all means bring the matter up with the administrators at the school. You have a right, as a parent, to voice your opinion.
It’s hard enough to get children to obey your rules. It’s even harder when the authority figures in their lives are on their side. Tattoos have a place in our society, but not in the elementary classroom. Don’t badmouth her to your child, but do let the principal know how you feel.
Dear Karen: Every year I get graduation announcements from children I haven’t seen since they were toddlers, and I send a gift because I’m close to their parents. This year I didn’t receive any announcements and was ready to run off and treat myself to a present, when I began getting e-mails “announcing” graduations. I feel like these people don’t care about me, only about getting a check from me. Do I have to respond to e-mailed announcements? For that matter, do I have to automatically send a gift whenever I receive a graduation announcement?
Sucker Who Gives
Dear Giver: These young people should be happy to have you in their lives. The presumption that you must give a gift just because you were sent an announcement is ridiculous. You may choose to give a gift if you’d like, or simply send a card congratulating each of them on their achievement. I think we’re all kidding ourselves to think that faster, easier, less effort e-mails will not be the wave of the future.
I, for one, still favor handwritten notes over e-mails. In any case, don’t let the casual tone of an e-mail announcement reflect ill on the sender. Maybe what you give the graduate is personalized note cards. Think they’ll get the hint?
In case you’re wondering…
Do celebrate the academic achievements of young people.
Don’t you dare let a child decide what’s appropriate attire or behavior.
Have a question for Karen? E-mail her at talktome@wavepublication.com.
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