WordsintoHarmony
Member
Several schools in the United Kingdom have implemented a rule reportedly designed to prevent children from getting their feelings hurt.
Friendships and fallouts are an essential part of childhood, but several schools in the United Kingdom think otherwise, reports The Sun.
In an absurd effort to avoid hurt feelings, schools in Kingston, South West London and Surrey are encouraging students to play in large groups and steer clear of making best friends. The devastation of losing a friend and subsequent hurt feelings are seen as too much to bear for a child who's learning how to build healthy relationships. Pass the politically correct tissues, please.
"I have noticed that teachers tell children they shouldn't have a best friend and that everyone should play together," educational psychologist Gaynor Sbuttoni told The Sun.
"They are doing it because they want to save the child the pain of splitting up from their best friend. But it is natural for some children to want a best friend. If they break up, they have to feel the pain because they're learning to deal with it."
Reality check: Over the course of nearly four decades, I've split from many close friends. Sure, it stings to have a falling-out with someone you care about. But guess what? It's part of life, and I've managed to survive with minimal childhood scars and certainly none from bygone besties.
"I don’t see how you can stop people from forming close friendships. We make and lose friends throughout our lives," Russell Hobby of the National Association of Head Teachers told The Sun.
Think such a bizarre ban couldn't happen in the United States? Think again. One Maryland school district recently outlawed hugs, classroom treats on birthdays and handing out party invitations at school if the entire class is not included.
What do you think about the best friends ban?
http://living.msn.com/family-parent...ost?post=46ae7fcc-c91b-4c1e-83f1-03dbb1e75275
Friendships and fallouts are an essential part of childhood, but several schools in the United Kingdom think otherwise, reports The Sun.
In an absurd effort to avoid hurt feelings, schools in Kingston, South West London and Surrey are encouraging students to play in large groups and steer clear of making best friends. The devastation of losing a friend and subsequent hurt feelings are seen as too much to bear for a child who's learning how to build healthy relationships. Pass the politically correct tissues, please.
"I have noticed that teachers tell children they shouldn't have a best friend and that everyone should play together," educational psychologist Gaynor Sbuttoni told The Sun.
"They are doing it because they want to save the child the pain of splitting up from their best friend. But it is natural for some children to want a best friend. If they break up, they have to feel the pain because they're learning to deal with it."
Reality check: Over the course of nearly four decades, I've split from many close friends. Sure, it stings to have a falling-out with someone you care about. But guess what? It's part of life, and I've managed to survive with minimal childhood scars and certainly none from bygone besties.
"I don’t see how you can stop people from forming close friendships. We make and lose friends throughout our lives," Russell Hobby of the National Association of Head Teachers told The Sun.
Think such a bizarre ban couldn't happen in the United States? Think again. One Maryland school district recently outlawed hugs, classroom treats on birthdays and handing out party invitations at school if the entire class is not included.
What do you think about the best friends ban?
http://living.msn.com/family-parent...ost?post=46ae7fcc-c91b-4c1e-83f1-03dbb1e75275
