So far we have discussed two reasons why parents complete work for their children. The first being because the child is not capable of completing the work, and the second being due to the lack of time and priority. The last reason that I want to discuss is possibly the most shocking. Some parents complete work for their children due to competition between parents.
This usually happens when projects are concerned. I have seen actual situations such as this occurring at my school. The teachers assign long-term projects and the parents strive for their child to have the best.
While we all want our child to be the best, there are limitations to how far we should go. Instead of teaching our children that the ‘best’ is being better than others, we should teach our children that the ‘best’ is giving it all we have got.
Some projects come through the doors of our school as elaborate as any college work that I have ever seen. Some parents will go to any expense to make their child’s assignment stand out. It is not unusual to have one homemade castle with a working drawbridge or a snowman with music and lights.
Later some of these parents will be seen walking the hallways and checking out the competition. While none of the assignments are meant to be a contest, they become one with a small group of individuals.
For some parents, it is almost an addiction once they get started. In the beginning, they mean well by simply helping their child. Then the control takes over and the parent cannot stand to see the minor mistakes that come with a child’s work. Before long the help turns into full out parent completion of the project.
The next time that you sit down to help your child with a project; remember that the project belongs to your child. You may not agree with the colors that he/she chose and perhaps you could do a better job gluing and cutting. However, isn’t that the way it should be? Should children’s work look like the work of adults? I think not. It is okay if your child’s volcano is tilted or if the model of the atom is covered in glitter. It gives your child’s work identity and uniqueness.
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