Should Parents Know When Teachers Address Sensitive Topics?

Moms Talk is a weekly feature on all Lehigh Valley Patches in which local parents, caregivers and other members of the community are invited to share opinions and advice on parenting topics.

This week’s Moms Talk question relates to whether parents and caregivers should be given a heads up when sensitive issues are going to be brought up at school.

When my older child was in kindergarten, the parent of one of his classmates died unexpectedly. We found out about this sad occurrence as we were sitting around the dinner table. He informed us that we needed to “bake a cake or something” for the child’s family. When we asked why, he told us it was because the little boy’s mother had died and his teacher had explained that that’s the kind of thing you do when somebody dies. Yikes! Really?!? That’s what you talked about at school today?

Now, with the 2012-2013 school year only barely started, I am hearing of elementary school kids turning the dinner conversation to the Columbine massacre. With September 11 about a week away, some parents – including me -- are wondering if schools will address this national tragedy with the little ones. Sensitive topics come up at school often – perhaps more than many parents realize -- which is actually kind of the point.

Now we want to hear your thoughts:

Should parents be informed when sensitive topics are being talked about at school? 

Our Moms Council members include: 

• Lisa Amey of Upper Milford Township is a stay-at-home mom to an 8-year-old boy and a 5-year-old girl. A past president of the MOMS Club of Emmaus and longtime member of MOPs (Mothers of Preschoolers), Lisa is an Independent Consultant for Arbonne International. 
• Lisa Drew of Emmaus is a certified nutritionist and personal trainer, wellness and fitness coach with more than 17 years of experience. She is the mother of a 13-year-old girl and a 9-year-old boy.
• Jennifer Elston of Emmaus has almost two decades of professional experience in child development and counseling. She is currently a stay-at-home mom to two beautiful girls. Together with her husband, Chris, she owns Christopher Elston Photography.
• Jeanne Lombardo of Nazareth is the mother of a 10-year-old boy and a 5-year-old girl. She’s new to the Lehigh Valley, having moved to Nazareth from Bergen County, NJ in January.
• Lisa Merk of Lower Macungie is a stay-at-home mother of four boys – a 12-year-old and 6-year-old triplets. Lisa is a past president of the MOMS Club of Lower Macungie East. In her “spare” time, Lisa teaches piano to school-age children.
• Zoila Bonilla Paul of Bethlehem is a stay-at-home mom to two girls – a 5-year-old and a 14-month-old. Zoila is a member of her local “moms’ club” and says she is “well-versed in the fun that children can bring.”
• Beth Sharpless of Emmaus works part time in a local emergency department as a nurse and part time from home as a customer support specialist. She has two children -- a boy who is almost 2 and a 5-year-old girl. She says they love spending time outdoors and dancing.

If you would like to become a part of the Moms Council and/or have ideas for future Moms Talk questions, please email jennifer.marangos@patch.com.