Ok everyone, I have a pet peeve that I really need to express.  What better place than Kidzwire?  Before I get started, I do not intend for this to offend anyone, so please don’t take this personally.

As a working mom of more than one child, it can be tough to keep all the balls in the air.  And, I understand that many of us want to do really nice things for our kids’ teachers.  But, here’s the thing:  Why, oh why, do some of the parents in my kids’ school who do not work outside of the home and have one child feel the need to send home cute little projects for us all to work on to surprise the teachers at various points throughout the year?  We have received quite a few “mystery folders” in our kids’ backpacks requesting that the respective child draw a picture or create some other self-expressive work of art as a gift to the teacher.  Oh, and it’s a surprise, so you have to call the other parent if you have questions.  It has been absolutely unbelievable, Maybe it is just our school, and if it is, I’m curious to know if others experience this same phenomenon. 

We have also had some parents who do not work outside the home ask everyone for a set dollar amount for a gift, and then go buy the gift, get it wrapped, etc.  I do have to say that I have really appreciated the parents who are willing to facilitate this process and make it happen.  I have told them so, just to make sure they know how I feel.

I’d love to hear opinions from folks who might be reading this.

[Disclaimer:  This post is not a value judgment for or against parents who do not work outside of the home or parents of only children.  I am an only child, after all.]