Why are parents so scared to think outside the boxes?

Question

I have no faith in the British state education system. And slowly but surely getting more disillusioned by mainstream nursery too. Then I discovered some are trying to set up a Steiner school in my town.
Now I have changed my daughter's nursery days so she can attend the Steiner Kindergarden group. She knows it as teacher playgroup where she gets to play outside when it rains. They are not allowed to play in the rain proper at her nursery. No idea why, other than probably some ridiculous PC health & safety rule.
Speaking to the mum of a girl my daughter gets on really well with I mentioned I was putting mine into Steiner Kindergarden and her reply was that it was a brave thing to do.
My view though is that looking at my local schools i would rather my daughter doesn't get corrupted to the bone by the advertising world and media before the age of 10. I think the other mum braver for sending her daughter old into mainstream education at the tender age of 4.
Your opinion?

Steiner Waldorf ...
'The Steiner Waldorf Schools Fellowship (SWSF) represents 31 Steiner schools, 56 Early Years settings, and six Steiner Teacher training courses in the UK and Ireland. It is the home of the European Council for Steiner Education bringing together some 550 schools in 20 countries and it is a partner in the Alliance for Childhood. There are over 880 schools, 1500 Early Years settings and 60 Teacher Training centres worldwide. A Children enter the kindergarten between the ages of three and six. Group sizes vary. Traditionally, five morning sessions per week are offered, each session lasting for approximately four and a half hours. Children take up provision according to age and need. Increasingly providers are exploring the need for a wider early years provision with Waldorf nurseries and all day Kindergarten. A fine and flexible balance has to be maintained between parental needs and what is healthy for the young child.'

http://www.steinerwaldorf.org.uk/earlyyears.htm

Kali: I'm not offended by what she said. more baffled. It was said in admiration so it really was taken as a compliment. I don't take them lightly. Was never thought how to by my own parents you see?

Answer 1

No one likes to take chances with their children, so most people will make very conservative choices.

Answer 2

Do thoroughly investigate Rudolph Steiner methods. It is not for all, some do profit and some really go off the rails. At the age of your child you really need to know where your child will fit in with this type of education.
Can she go for an assessment there say for a few days, and further how about the costs.
You are going to have to realize also it is not the school but the teachers and attitudes.

Answer 3

Maybe because they weren't brought up being allowed to think outside the box. I had to learn!

I took a very good parenting class here in Oregon called Parenting with Love and Logic. Alot of people (my parents) thought I was nuts to be giving my 3 and 4 yr olds choices. They are teenagers now and actually choose the right thing much more often than not, I believe in great part from learning to make good choices at an early age.

A simple example of this would be: It is snowing outside. My
4yr old does not want to put on a coat. Instead of forcing her to wear her coat I put the coat in the car and allow her this choice: "It's pretty cold out you might want to wear a coat, but if not thats up to you." We get out the door, shes cold. She wants to put on her coat!
She just made a decision on her own based on experience of choices. It WORKS!

Now as teenagers my kids have a basis on how to make decisions so they aren't overwhelmed by all the information given every day. I commend your thinking. Being "brave" in todays society is crucial.

Answer 4

The thing is each box is different to each parent so the majority of parents really do think that they are giving the best love and provision for their child. Its only statements from other parents that make people think otherwise and become somewhat defensive. Go with what makes you and your children happy but keep an open mind about different attitudes and beliefs

Answer 5

I think until high school age the british system doesn't fail our kids, yeah it could do a lot better but its ok.

In high school they try to fit all shapes into a round hole which is where difficulties come.

I know people with children in Steiner schools, one of which had the school ask her to remove his son becuase they couldn't cope with his dislexyia. Isn't that terrible? He is in a state school now and thriving.

The point I'm making is it doesn't suit everyone and some of Steiners views are a bit millitatarian and out of date but if your willing to try it for your child then good luck to you. If you keep her in until high school age then she is in danger of becoming quite isolated. I remember 'Steiner Kids' getting a hard time for going to a school 'for numpties' but if you think thats what will give her the best start in life then go for it.

I wouldn't let my son play outside in the rain in the winter.

Answer 6

I removed my youngest son from the school he was in and home-schooled him for a year till we won a place in the school i wanted him in, he was 10 years old and has a special needs education statement but the school he was in ignored the statement and left him at the back of the class to do what ever he liked, and i was being told by other mothers i was wrong and endangering my sons education by home schooling, so at the end of the day you as the parent do what is right for your child.

Answer 7

The best education comes from the home. I think your child is already lucky to have an involved caring parent. Your doing a good job. What works for one family might not work for another. As long as your child is thriving don't worry what other people think.

Answer 8

Go with what your gut tells you is right I have no idea about British school systems.
The schools here in the US are doing what they can but it is hard when budgets are constantly being cut and violence is a daily threat. Basically your working with your hands tied behind your back!
love works wonders!
Good luck, Pandora

Answer 9

Hmmm, like others are asserting, be sure you scoop it daily and unload out each and every of the muddle and clean the container as quickly as a month, and placed clean muddle in, possibly you will possibly be able to desire to test, see how your cat reacts with categories of muddle and muddle bins, attempt a lined and an uncovered muddle container, a scented muddle and unscented, only attempt extremely some issues and notice if this habit stops. stable success to you and your kitty!

Answer 10

I think there are deeper issues to worry about. Simply tell the other mom that you're offended at the statement that she feels you are putting your child in danger, when there clearly is no proof of it. Don't give your energy into this woman to justify your choices. She's probably jelous you can afford this Steiner School and she's dirt poor and can't. Pity her.

Answer 11

Since we started homeschooling, it's shocking what one can realize about public education. And private schools, too. Institutionalized education is an oxymoron.

We unschool and our kids couldn't ask for a better environment for self-development.