There was an interesting story today in the paper. Apparently, kids in Massachusetts, in PE class jump rope without any rope. Why you ask? Is the school system in Mass. so poor that they can’t afford ropes? No, it is because . . . . they don’t want them to feel bad if they mess up.
That’s right, it is believed that the pressure to clear that cord swung by that child’s very hand is just too great. What if they jumped too soon or even too late? God help them if only one foot made it over. With a loss of self esteem like that, they would be lucky to pull a C on their next math test with no wrong answers.
This kind of stuff has been around a long time. Usually it’s just regular people who pipe up and try to point out that the emperor doesn’t have any clothes. They are of course discounted because they are not researchers or educators, they are just (old) parents. The new parents look at what the researchers and educators are saying, then listen to the old parents and then decide what they will think.
Well there just happens to be some researchers out there (Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman’s) That have a popular book out called NurtureShock. In this book they try to use some science and facts to debunk some of the tenants we as a society have adopted around raising children. I found many of their little factoids and examples interesting but I have to admit, their little promo video reminded me of a cheesy infomercial. But, they agree, give the kids a jump rope.
I cry when I can't tie my shoes…..
thats why we give you velcro
Back when I was young we used real jump ropes…and Pluto was considered a planet in our solar system. Those were the good days?