Modern Kids Go Back To The Modern School

For a delusional moment, The Dad congratulated himself on his family's good fortune.

Both daughters were happy to see the start of the new school year. At their ages, The Dad dreaded the end of summer and hated having to go back to the classroom. His daughters, through good fortune, and maybe (not to brag or anything) good parenting, had no such attitude. They were raring to go back. Who knew what advantages that enthusiasm for education would bring them over time?

Then the Second Grader brought home a page describing the homework rewards program for her class. Complete your assignments, and you get sweets, treats, toys and accolades. The page brought The Dad back to reality. And provoked a few recent memories.

Both daughters had been in classrooms where the students got prizes for going several days without discipline trouble. Every child's birthday earned recognition. Some rooms named a star of the week, every week, not as reward for extraordinary behavior, but just to make sure every kid got a turn to be a big shot. Add to that the daily recesses, the regular dispensing of goodies, and the dramatic praise for every positive behavior, and it was no wonder that the daughters wanted to get back to school.

What kid wouldn't? The modern classroom is a full time joyride. The Dad realized that, as special as his daughters are, their enjoyment of school probably isn't all that remarkable. He decided he'd take the opportunity to offer a little perspective.

The Dad: You know what the prize was for doing all your homework when I was a kid?

Second Grader: Candy.

The Dad: No.

Second Grader: Cookies.

The Dad: Nope.

Second Grader: Toys.

The Dad: Unh-unh.

Second Grader: Money?

The Dad: [shakes head]

Second Grader: I'm all out of guesses. What was the prize?

The Dad: No beating.

The Second Grader thought that was laughable.