Helicopter Moms

I have spent many lunches during my school visits talking to teachers and I often ask them to talk to me about the challenges they have with teaching. There is one thing in common that teachers deal with called the 'Helicopter mom syndrome' (my name for it). The vast majority of parents who are involved are great, but the old 80/20% principle means the 20% often create the greatest burden on a teacher. 

So, I did what I do. I wrote about it. I wrote a poem for teachers to voice what some of them would like to say, but cannot. Please remember not to kill the messenger (me)! If you don't like the poem, ask yourself why not. 

MY ODE TO HELICOPTER MAMAS  

or

WHAT SOME TEACHERS WOULD LIKE TO SAY

Helicopter mamas, can leave little time to me!

I spent so many years, learning, so please let me be.

I am a professional teacher, I’ve learned about your child,

I know when he needs discipline and when I should be mild.

Your copter blades are spinning, you can hover way too close.

I cannot form those things in him, that he will need the most,

If you make excuses for his actions and think he is picked on,

Why is it all the teachers say, the same thing? Wait, they all are wrong?

We love your son and daughter too. We want them to excel!

But it is always very hard when you just know so well.

I never come into your office to suggest how you should do your job,

I wouldn’t presume to know what you do, no insults would I lob.

A parent who is interested and involved is always best!

But sometimes you should not make excuses, just give that stuff a rest.

Because Timmy will explore this world and sometimes it will sting,

That’s part of learning beyond the math, reading and the last  bell's ring

If you just let me do my job, without hovering oh so low.

Or involving upper admin, when you think they have to know,

But helicopter mom, if some think you are so bad 

come to my conferences when in walks a Blackhawk dad!