Playground Rules

One of the things that my daughter and I are discussing at home are “playground rules.”  I am not sure if it’s because she is an only child or if she is socially awkward (or both), but it seems that she does not understand the playground rules.  As a result, she feels alone and misunderstood.  I am not on the playground with her.  I can only advise her to be herself, say “no” when needed, and do things at school that feel good.  I’m her mom.  I can say almost anything to her but it needs to transfer to the playground.  I think that she perceives the opposite message and believes that the opposite behaviour is rewarded with friends, popularity, and classroom recognition.  To explain to an 8-year old girl, that’s what she observes on the playground might be different otherwise is a tough sell.

I can empathize with my daughter.  I, too, feel like I am trying to figure out the playground rules.  I assume many roles in the field of education that may not all coincide.  I am a doctoral candidate.  I am an MEd Site Assistant at SFU.  I am on the BCAMT executive.  I am a private educator, tutoring mathematics and science.  I am a educational consultant giving workshops to teachers.  I am a newly elected school trustee with my former employer.  Admittedly, I am beginning to realize that my interests are getting a bit messy and I’m relearning the playground rules not as a full-time public school teacher.  It is not to say that I am not familiar with the institution, the stake holders, or public education.  What I am not acquainted with are the playground rules given the new hats I wear.

Life is a journey.  Making mistakes is OK, if you are willing to forgive, accept, and learn from them.