Buying a new bus-bag and why our educational system will stunt our children
Posted on Aug 23, 2012 under All about mama's kiddos, Parenting Tips | No CommentI’m that type of mom that let’s my children use their stuff one after the other, no overlaps, meaning you have to use your bag, your shoes, etc. until they’re dog-eared and until then I’ll buy a new one. I always got protests on this household policy, but it’s the best course, in my view, to teach my kids temperance.
I did not buy a new bag for my daughter during the opening of classes last June, since that Barbie bag I bought last year was still in perfect shape in fact it looks like brand new after it was washed and had the little tatters here and there got glued. But towards the middle of August the wheels gave in. My daughter said, in jubilation signaling she’s going to have a new one, ‘the time has come mom’, yeah, what can I do? I have to serve my ‘buy as needed’ policy. I forgot my daughter just turned Grade 2 and Grade 2’s have 2 additional subjects with two additional thick books, not to mention thick notes and a lot girly stuff on the side – in short, the wheel is beyond repair and we’re going to the mall to buy a new one.
This is the upgrade, small school bags have lesser prices, and big ones obviously follow. I was actually thinking if there are bag companies around that would give me an item for review, there are several though but this bus-type of bag, that’s what kids at school call it, is my girl’s choice and nothing of this sort they’re giving away for review.
My kids’ school doesn’t have a lift, but it’s a relief that they have a ramp where children with wheeled bags can painlessly push their bags up and trolley them down. The reason I bought this wheeled one is that – I cannot afford to see my kid carry a backload of books thrice her weight, it’s easier to pull and push heavy loads on wheels.
Honestly, I really can’t get it why book publishers only have to consider their side – make a book, bind, sell, make money. I care less is I’ll pay a little more for dividing one book into two, at least the kids can carry it lightly. I understand the politics behind all these ‘book matters’, but at least, think not only about how much money your publishing company can get, but also think about the physical health of the kids.
Well, sad as it may seem but our educational system to date also has contributed to this anxiety; blame it to competitiveness, to be at par with global etc, etc. that’s why we’re saddling our children with too much home works and bookworks given too fast a turnover that most children obviously cannot cope.
I welcome evolution, it’s an inevitable part of human existence, but I guess a mother is a mother and they say they’re all the same the world over – thinking only about how to bring good to their children.
