Comments for A Mom's World http://onemomsworld.wordpress.com --- musings on motherhood, writing, and pretty much everything else by Jennifer Clark Estes. Don't forget to wash your hands. Thu, 10 Dec 2009 14:48:25 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 Comment on How Pillow Pets are ruining Christmas by Michelle http://onemomsworld.wordpress.com/2009/12/10/how-pillow-pets-are-ruining-christmas/#comment-253 Michelle Thu, 10 Dec 2009 14:48:25 +0000 http://onemomsworld.wordpress.com/?p=884#comment-253 it is like cabbage patch kids! :( heck get em the DS or a WI and forget about stupid pillow pets. tell them they already have a shelley pillow pet!!! i do feel your pain though. i mean when joanna just wants cookies and a pillow pet, how sweet is that? sigh, as you would say. it is like cabbage patch kids! :( heck get em the DS or a WI and forget about stupid pillow pets. tell them they already have a shelley pillow pet!!! i do feel your pain though. i mean when joanna just wants cookies and a pillow pet, how sweet is that? sigh, as you would say.

]]> Comment on How Pillow Pets are ruining Christmas by High Watch Harry http://onemomsworld.wordpress.com/2009/12/10/how-pillow-pets-are-ruining-christmas/#comment-252 High Watch Harry Thu, 10 Dec 2009 14:38:38 +0000 http://onemomsworld.wordpress.com/?p=884#comment-252 How about some sock puppets? or get them a "real" pet. A nice puppy. I remember the same problem when the "cabbage kids" were the hot item. I think you got over that so have faith that Santa will bring the perfect gift for all those little ones who miss out on the pillow pets. How about some sock puppets? or get them a “real” pet. A nice puppy.

I remember the same problem when the “cabbage kids” were the hot item.

I think you got over that so have faith that Santa will bring the perfect gift for all those little ones who miss out on the pillow pets.

]]> Comment on A teachable moment by Uncle Steve http://onemomsworld.wordpress.com/2009/12/07/a-teachable-moment/#comment-250 Uncle Steve Wed, 09 Dec 2009 18:30:34 +0000 http://onemomsworld.wordpress.com/?p=877#comment-250 I agree that we shouldn't need any law or regulation, but if we didn't have a seatbelt law, at least 50% of us idiots would be driving around without wearing one! As for a limit for gifts for teachers, I am sure it is intended to eliminate even the hint of impropriety..."I wonder why that kid gets straight A's...perhaps it is because his parents gave the teacher a new car?" You get the idea. I work for a State agency and we are not allowed to accept anything that has more than a "nominal" value. Like if someone gave me a ticket to a baseball game I'd give them some sort of preferential treatment!?! It is the same for teachers...most out there cannot be bought and are in it to see that kids learn and grow, not to get some holiday tip. However, it just eliminates any questions that might come up if someone gets a free ski vacation from a parent! (how can I meet those parents???). No one would even suggest that a teacher gave preferential treatment for mere $50. But your overall point rings true...with all gift giving, it is the thought that counts...While a gift card to the Gap or the Outback might provide some short-term satisfaction and in no doubt are practical gifts, it is the thoughtful, perhaps home made type gifts that provide a lasting pleasure for the recipient (teacher or otherwise). And the understanding of a child as to why we are giving the gift and showing our appreciation to a person who works hard to help us learn is a very important and lasting lesson for our children. Thanks for sharing...I need to make sure that my kids really get that part...and that it is not just because it is Christmas that we are giving the gift, but because we want them to know how much we truly appreciate all they do for us! Just like when we give gifts to our Moms! ;) XO I agree that we shouldn’t need any law or regulation, but if we didn’t have a seatbelt law, at least 50% of us idiots would be driving around without wearing one!

As for a limit for gifts for teachers, I am sure it is intended to eliminate even the hint of impropriety…”I wonder why that kid gets straight A’s…perhaps it is because his parents gave the teacher a new car?” You get the idea. I work for a State agency and we are not allowed to accept anything that has more than a “nominal” value. Like if someone gave me a ticket to a baseball game I’d give them some sort of preferential treatment!?! It is the same for teachers…most out there cannot be bought and are in it to see that kids learn and grow, not to get some holiday tip. However, it just eliminates any questions that might come up if someone gets a free ski vacation from a parent! (how can I meet those parents???). No one would even suggest that a teacher gave preferential treatment for mere $50.

But your overall point rings true…with all gift giving, it is the thought that counts…While a gift card to the Gap or the Outback might provide some short-term satisfaction and in no doubt are practical gifts, it is the thoughtful, perhaps home made type gifts that provide a lasting pleasure for the recipient (teacher or otherwise). And the understanding of a child as to why we are giving the gift and showing our appreciation to a person who works hard to help us learn is a very important and lasting lesson for our children.

Thanks for sharing…I need to make sure that my kids really get that part…and that it is not just because it is Christmas that we are giving the gift, but because we want them to know how much we truly appreciate all they do for us! Just like when we give gifts to our Moms! ;)

XO

]]> Comment on A teachable moment by JoJo http://onemomsworld.wordpress.com/2009/12/07/a-teachable-moment/#comment-249 JoJo Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:37:33 +0000 http://onemomsworld.wordpress.com/?p=877#comment-249 That's what we need, more regulation!? I must be really old because I remember going to school at Christmas time and giving my teacher a card or picture that I worked on for days to get just right. I wanted her (mostly, it was her until you got to high school) to know how much I liked and appreciated her and all she had done for me. I think maybe I might also have brought a small gift of a plant or an ornament that my mother purchased, but it was the card or picture that said it all. Yes, teachers are definitely under valued in our society. Kind of strange because children are so valued in so many ways. OK don't get me started. Around here during Christmas, your fellow educator, Michele, will bring me lots of chocolates, ornaments or other things that she has received and doesn't really want. If you want to give a teacher something why not give them your support during the year. Go in and read to the class, vote the education issues, give your time and support, not a gift (under $50, please) that in this economy you may not be able to afford! That’s what we need, more regulation!? I must be really old because I remember going to school at Christmas time and giving my teacher a card or picture that I worked on for days to get just right. I wanted her (mostly, it was her until you got to high school) to know how much I liked and appreciated her and all she had done for me. I think maybe I might also have brought a small gift of a plant or an ornament that my mother purchased, but it was the card or picture that said it all. Yes, teachers are definitely under valued in our society. Kind of strange because children are so valued in so many ways. OK don’t get me started. Around here during Christmas, your fellow educator, Michele, will bring me lots of chocolates, ornaments or other things that she has received and doesn’t really want. If you want to give a teacher something why not give them your support during the year. Go in and read to the class, vote the education issues, give your time and support, not a gift (under $50, please) that in this economy you may not be able to afford!

]]> Comment on A teachable moment by Anna http://onemomsworld.wordpress.com/2009/12/07/a-teachable-moment/#comment-248 Anna Mon, 07 Dec 2009 19:35:55 +0000 http://onemomsworld.wordpress.com/?p=877#comment-248 Wow, I had no idea this was going on. I live in Mass. but I don't have children yet, so I guess the issue has been a bit off my radar. I'm not sure how I feel about there being a law to limit teacher gifts, seems kind of odd to me. But I agree that it's not the amount of the gift that matters, it's the fact that teachers should be shown some appreciation for all the work they do. And, like you said, gifts don't have to cost anything at all. Wow, I had no idea this was going on. I live in Mass. but I don’t have children yet, so I guess the issue has been a bit off my radar. I’m not sure how I feel about there being a law to limit teacher gifts, seems kind of odd to me. But I agree that it’s not the amount of the gift that matters, it’s the fact that teachers should be shown some appreciation for all the work they do. And, like you said, gifts don’t have to cost anything at all.

]]> Comment on A teachable moment by High Watch Harry http://onemomsworld.wordpress.com/2009/12/07/a-teachable-moment/#comment-247 High Watch Harry Mon, 07 Dec 2009 16:27:19 +0000 http://onemomsworld.wordpress.com/?p=877#comment-247 As with all professionals there are great ones , good ones , average ones and not so good ones. I don't know what the proper compensation levels are for anyone. But I agree that teachers are under appreciated by most everybody. So what is wrong with showing your appreciation for all they do with a "small" gift. I like the tree ornaments and home made thank yous. I don't believe that a parent who gives a gift expects a "special" favor for his or her child. If I were a teacher I wouldn't be concerned with what others may think of the gifts I got and what a child's grades are. I believe my professionalism holds me to a higher standard which I would live up to. Teaching your kids that it is better to give then to receive is wonderful.Teach them to be grateful for what they have not what they want. Teach them to thank their teachers for giving them one of the best gifts there is to get--knowledge-- and self esteem. As with all professionals there are great ones , good ones , average ones and not so good ones. I don’t know what the proper compensation levels are for anyone. But I agree that teachers are under appreciated by most everybody. So what is wrong with showing your appreciation for all they do with a “small” gift. I like the tree ornaments and home made thank yous.

I don’t believe that a parent who gives a gift expects a “special” favor for his or her child. If I were a teacher I wouldn’t be concerned with what others may think of the gifts I got and what a child’s grades are. I believe my professionalism holds me to a higher standard which I would live up to.

Teaching your kids that it is better to give then to receive is wonderful.Teach them to be grateful for what they have not what they want. Teach them to thank their teachers for giving them one of the best gifts there is to get–knowledge– and self esteem.

]]> Comment on Open Studio/Storytelling at Boston area studio by Donna Earnhardt http://onemomsworld.wordpress.com/2009/12/01/open-studiostorytelling-at-boston-area-studio/#comment-244 Donna Earnhardt Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:00:43 +0000 http://onemomsworld.wordpress.com/?p=869#comment-244 sounds like fun! sounds like fun!

]]> Comment on How to Cook a Seven-Minute Turkey by High Watch Harry http://onemomsworld.wordpress.com/2009/11/25/how-to-cook-a-seven-minute-turkey/#comment-243 High Watch Harry Thu, 26 Nov 2009 14:44:22 +0000 http://onemomsworld.wordpress.com/?p=860#comment-243 I guess Cooper was worried he would end up eating PB&J sandwichs today, What a great keepsake to have and hold over his head. 6. eat apple pie 7. eat ice cream 8. have a nap. Yea Cooper! I guess Cooper was worried he would end up eating PB&J sandwichs today,

What a great keepsake to have and hold over his head.

6. eat apple pie
7. eat ice cream
8. have a nap.

Yea Cooper!

]]> Comment on Where are you going? Where have you been? by Donna Earnhardt http://onemomsworld.wordpress.com/2009/11/17/where-are-you-going-where-have-you-been/#comment-241 Donna Earnhardt Thu, 26 Nov 2009 02:56:45 +0000 http://onemomsworld.wordpress.com/?p=842#comment-241 I know the feeling. I struggle with balance on a daily basis. Sometimes I get it right...most times not so much. BUT -- there is always hope! :) I recently put myself on a blogging schedule. It's been helpful to me as I felt the same about blogging as you do. Now, it's got more structure (which I'm not always used to!), but I still have the freedom to be me. peace, Donna I know the feeling. I struggle with balance on a daily basis. Sometimes I get it right…most times not so much. BUT — there is always hope! :)

I recently put myself on a blogging schedule. It’s been helpful to me as I felt the same about blogging as you do. Now, it’s got more structure (which I’m not always used to!), but I still have the freedom to be me.

peace,
Donna

]]> Comment on How to Cook a Seven-Minute Turkey by jennifer3212 http://onemomsworld.wordpress.com/2009/11/25/how-to-cook-a-seven-minute-turkey/#comment-240 jennifer3212 Thu, 26 Nov 2009 01:43:23 +0000 http://onemomsworld.wordpress.com/?p=860#comment-240 I'm impressed he remembered to put salt on the list of ingredients! Muggy, we'll be there ASAP if this recipe fails me! I’m impressed he remembered to put salt on the list of ingredients! Muggy, we’ll be there ASAP if this recipe fails me!

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