Remember walking a few blocks to school? Or simply grabbing the bus down the street? Those were the good ‘ol days. Today back to school is harder for parents then for our children. Not the three “R’s” but the logistics of it all.
In order for my two boys to get a quality education, we have to send them to a charter — on the other end of town. No bus. They aren’t old enough to drive. So we depend on the city bus.
Another inconvenient hurdle. There isn’t a bus stop near Eagle Ranch, so we have to drive the boys to the mall in order to catch this bus.
As a result, my day goes something like this.
Go to work, go home at 8 and grab a boy.. bring him to the bus, go back to work. Around 9:30 I go back home, get the other boy (different school schedules) take him to the bus, go back to work.
And of course through all of this, I’m spilling coffee on my lap, losing my cell phone, getting annoyed having to slam my breaks for yet another stray dog or dingbat on the road oblivious to anything because they are talking on the cell phone (FYI, if you’re the ditz in the white convertible, yeah you.. you know who you are. The cell phone law went into effect… even for you) and all of this while watching the dollars pour out of my gas tank.
Then the fiasco starts again at the end of the school day when we have to make two separate trips to get the boys home from the bus stops.
Do I sound resentful and bitter? No way! ……..Well, maybe just a little.
But then we look at how well rounded the boys are thanks in part to the quality education they are receiving. How nice and normal their friends are. The safe and friendly atmosphere of their campus, where every teacher and administrator knows you and your kids by name. In high school, accountability is key. And they have it by the barrel full.
And then there’s all the benefits afforded the boys in terms of music, volunteering, educational field trips, and of course the BIG perk of them having the opportunity to graduate with a diploma and an Associates degree all at once.
And amazingly, my bitterness turns into sweet quiet thankfulness.
Thankful that I have a job that allows me to run back and forth for my children.
Thankful that for years I reported on education allowing me some insight into the high school campuses so I could make an informed choice on what school offers the best educational opportunities for my boys education.
Thankful that the end product will be me knowing I did everything I could to raise well rounded young men. One who hopes to be a paramedic, the other who hopes to be a military pilot.
And thankful each night that I’m still sane enough to do it again when I wake up.
Still, (Warning: Here come that bitterness again) why do parents have to go through so much inconvenience and cost so their children can get a solid education in a safe environment?
It just shouldn’t be this hard.
I know I’m not alone in feeling this way. Drop outs are at their highest in local schools, while quality charter schools are busting at the seams. Some having 20 year waiting lists. Others having to turn kids away because there is no more space. So there are tons of parents like me going the extra mile for our kids.
My day is filled with inconvenience as a result.. but I know some of you have it harder. I know some moms who had to quit working to make sure their kids get the education they deserve. Others are setting up carpools and leaning on family to help out. There are lots of stories out there like mine. So share them! After all.. misery loves company — right?
What are some of the ways your life has had to change so your child can get the education they deserve?
