My kids are not "social butterflies". They have friends, but most of their friends are children of friends to Andrew and me. They don't do a lot of things without the adults, and their isn't a lot of communicating on their own. Andrew and I have encouraged (and at times even begged) our kids to have a social life, but honestly, I've decided if the kids are happy I am just going to leave well enough alone.
Because of all this, I don't have the opportunity to overhear conversations between teens. I haven't necessarily had the opportunity in many classes as well, but in the Ag class the environment leads itself to it. There is a lot of down time after the assignments are completed and they chat. It is definitely very interesting to hear their conversations. Sometimes the opportunity presents itself to chime in, and honestly I do because it can be a bonding experience with the kids. Sometimes though, I just kind of sit back and listen. I have some hearing issues and sometimes I miss some things, but there are definitely things I hear that amuse me. At the same time, there are things that most certainly do not. I listen carefully because if I ever hear something that would indicate a teen is in danger, I would absolutely contact a guidance counselor. Most of the time though, it is just kids talking and being kids. At this age, so many of them think they have all the answers to life, they are always right, and you can't tell them anything. I am realizing how full of drama the teen years are, and it is definitely an eye opener.
It's also making me realize how much kids themselves do listen. Some of what they "spout" is just things they are repeating from their parents and they don't even really understand what they are talking about. I'll be making sure I make more of an effort to pay attention to what my kids are hearing from my mouth, and to explain why I feel the way I do.
Always an interesting day as a sub. As Forrest Gump would say, "You never know what you're gonna get!"
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