Maddenation
(Root) Beer
Yesterday I got a call from Pato’s kindergarten teacher. She explained that she felt she had to call me because she didn’t know how to write what happened in a note. Pato’s class was working with a class of fifth graders, and each child was paired with a buddy from the other class. They were drawing their favorite meals. When Pato’s buddy asked him what his favorite drink was, he told her, “beer.” She bugged out, asked him again, he said “beer” again, so she told him that beer was bad, and she told the teacher. The teacher asked him what he had said was his favorite drink, and Pato said, “orange juice.”
So on and on the teacher’s babbling, and I’m trying to get a word in edgewise (between her de facto accusations: you’re bad parents; you give your child beer!), until she finally breathes, and I jump in: “Let me clear this up for you. He means root beer.”
Then she regrouped, said she still had to give the kid a warning because he lied to her, and yadda yadda yadda. When Pato came home that day he explained that his buddy had told him to choose a different favorite drink, and he had chosen orange juice. He had no idea why he was in trouble, so I really believe him. (He’s not a good liar, and I can usually catch him lying very easily.)
Whatever. I have had problems with his teacher and others at his school in the past, so I take this as just a laughable story. I am not the kind of parent who defends his kid when his kid is wrong. I want the kid to be honest and good, and I really work on that at home. I made sure he got the message that he should never lie (though I’m sure it’s not the last time I’ll have to tell him), but in this instance, I think the problem is 1) that he keeps calling root beer just “beer” (which we’ve tried to correct plenty of times before this incident), and 2) that alarmist fifth-grade girls and teachers don’t think creatively—“What could this kid mean?”—beyond the knee-jerk response. Ah well.
Patrick • Stories • 03/06/04 • 5 comments
Comments
Dad • 03/06/04 • 11:34 PM:You should have told the teacher that, in Uruguay, where you just spent a year, children drink beer with every meal. Pato got used to this time-honored tradition as he was immersed in the culture with his aunts and uncles and grandparents.
David • 03/07/04 • 12:40 AM:Dad, you crack me up. All the time.
Good for you Pat, for not being one of those crazy parents who think their kid’s poop don’t stink (by the way, there’s an interesting Outkast song sorta about that). Just last week I had a parent of some kid I saw only once in my life accuse me, the dean, and the dean’s secretary of lying. Yeah, that’s right lady, all three adults made up this crazy lie, for no reason, and your daughter, who is on medicine, seeing counselors, and with a past history of trouble, is telling the truth. Some people.
Kathleen • 08/13/04 • 2:26 AM:Ach! This is one of the funniest things I’ve read. Dumbo teacher. how annoying. I like Dad’s response, though. It was way funny. Could you IMAGINE? I think they’d have you investigated by DYFS, though, so you better not try it. Save the funnies for us.
Julie Sessions • 08/15/04 • 2:12 AM:Pat & Liz— Thank you for coming to the Workman’s. It was so wonderful to see you and hear how your family is doing. I apologize for leaving in such a rush. Elle did get a couple of stitches, but it went well and she stayed calm. If I learned anything in Pediatric nursing it was that if the parents were scared or upset, it would upset the kids. Children are remarkably perceptive. I did have to hide my face during the stiches, but I was holding both of her hands and hugging her tummy, so I hope she was still comforted. I just wanted to thank you so much for your caring concern and for all that you did to help. I know the ice would have helped the swelling and pain, but she did not want me to touch her “owie”. Anyway, thank you! Sorry to have rushed out. I loved every minute of visiting with you and hope to see you again. Thanks! Julie
Julie Sessions • 08/15/04 • 2:19 AM:Could someone please forward my comment to “Rootbeer” on to your mom and dad? I was trying to find a way to email them directly, but didn’t have the patience to figure it out. By the way, the “Rootbeer” story was great, except for the teacher’s reaction….Anyway, it was fun to read your comments. Hope I’m not intruding on personal family info. Take Care!! Kat—could you please send me your email address? Thanks, Julie
Post a comment
Thanks for signing in, . Now you can comment. (sign out)
Please capitalize your name properly and use the same information each time you comment. We will not send you spam, and your email address will not be posted.