Is this normal for schools!?

[AfWife8405]

My oldest just finished Kindergarten. I also have 2 younger kiddos, 4 & 3 yrs, that I had to bring to class events because DH is military and was away for 8 weeks during the school year or he just could not get out of work while he was here. Things like field trips I could not do, obviously. When they had the Easter egg hunt we were told younger siblings were welcome but could not participate. I brought the little ones to 2 award ceremonies, the turkey trot and a parent/teacher conference.

My son's teacher was always very nice about it, being a school on a military base might have something to do with it though since many moms are here without support (husbands, family, babysitters, etc.) and literally have no options. I always felt guilty that I could not be a room mother or go on field trips so I showed up for everything else possible. I do not let the little ones run wild either and usually bribe them with stickers to cooperate when they are impatient. I have worn my 3 yr old on my back so I could use a smaller single stroller to keep my 4 yr old out of the way.

I think parents & teacher should do what they can to work together so the students can have a parent available for special days. It really stinks to not have your parent there. We all went to my DS's completion ceremony, we were the last ones to walk in (we were parking the stroller outside the room) and I saw the worried look on my son's face when he thought we weren't there.

I would have your friend check with the principal about the school's policy and ask the teacher if wearing the baby (in an ergo or the like) would make a difference.

[isabelsmummy]

Unusual for our school. Siblings always welcome except on field trips where the parents are actually needed for supervision ratios etc..

[Nerissa]

Originally Posted by MothyrGrimm I mentioned what some of you ladies said. I'm glad I'm not the only one who thought that was weird. I feel so bad for her because her and her daughter spent a lot of time making a stick horse from scratch and now she won't get to see her even play with everyone.

That just isn't right. A one year old isnt' going to cause that much trouble. Especially if mom keeps the LO in a carrier or stroller and occupied with age appropriate stuff.

[calapitters]

Not normal in our schools, either. Younger siblings are always welcome unless it is a field trip.

[MothyrGrimm]

Ugh. It's making me tear up!

She thinks it has something to do with her daughter and the other kids getting along... her daughter has had problems with being bullied. Like being pushed into the wall and hurt... I guess once on the bus the other kids were bullying her to take her clothes off and then they started laughing at her, and she got in trouble of course. But the school didn't punish the kids that made her do it... they says she's the one acting out...

She tried contacting the principal, but they aren't available till after school.

[lissa~K]

In my experience with public and private schools, it depended mostly on the teacher. Some teachers are more relaxed than others, even within the same school and set of rules.

[luvsviola]

Normal here. Siblings are not permitted at things during the day at our school.

[CM6755]

I'd take the baby anyway...just say that the sitter cancelled last minute...(eyeroll...dodging lightning). Talking to the principal is another good idea too. I have ALWAYS taken my son (3 1/2 years) to his big sisters school stuff (they are in high school) EXCEPT an awards ceremony recently...didn't want to steal any thunder if he decided to say/do something cute/funny/embarrassing/etc.

I vote take the baby!

On the other hand...maybe the teacher is expecting the mom to 'help' more than she is letting on and if the 'baby' comes then the mom will not be able to do the teacher's jobs! Hmmmmm food for thought!

[Mjnslce]

I am a teacher and if we were to have a party liek that we would allow babies as well!

[MothyrGrimm]

Yea I could even understand a crowded classroom, but they're even outdoors. :/