Comments on: Intentional or intensive parenting?

By: The Courage to Parent

The Courage to Parent — Thu, 27 May 2010 15:16:29 +0000

[...] All said, I appreciate you writing to praise my courage. It’s easy to stay courageous in our few minor setbacks. I can only hope that one day I will reflect upon my parenting as being courageous and inspiring. I’ve been in awe of the courage I have seen from fellow parent and blogger, Katie Allison Granju. (Yes, I’ve mentioned her writing here before). [...]

By: Amy B.

Amy B. — Tue, 05 May 2009 20:55:49 +0000

“talk to other parents, go to PTA meetings, visit, observe, drop-in and then make a decision . .”

That’s part of what rattles me. What you describe is a LOT of work, and very hard for two full-time, work-outside-the-home parents, or for a single parent. It’s the conflict between our desires (to do our research) and our abilities (“but when?”) that is so unnerving.

I am not complaining. Just noting that, as it often does, it comes down to privilege and class. Parents with the means to “buy in” to the right neighborhoods, or to opt out of the public schools completely should their lottery applications be unsuccessful, simply cannot feel the same stress that the rest of us do. And I cannot feel the same stress as the parents with inflexible work schedules who are unable to make school-hours visits or spend hours on the web and in discussion groups hashing this out.

Looking forward to reading the article!

By: Anna Van Dis

Anna Van Dis — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 14:57:45 +0000

I love this. I have stopped talking with some parents I know about schools in Durham because I start to feel anxious myself, their anxiety is palpable and feels “catching” to me.. (my own issues, to be sure). Being thoughtful and researching the options, but at the SAME TIME, trusting and believing in your child’s resilence is key. I am going to read the overparenting article next, I’m intruiged by the title!