ratting/ tattling
Alicia Knight
I'm with Kelly. I always want to know what is going on with my kids and
a good purveyor of information can be very useful. Sometimes it can be
annoying -- because the tattler's motives may not be of purely helpful
intent. Sometimes (or many times) they just wanna see someone get in
TROUBLE. However, most of the time the information purveyor is simply
providing commentary while trying to figure it all out for themselves.
As a child care provider I've had many different little personalities in
my care and supervision. Any group of young children has a fascinating
and fun dynamic. I had one child who was a real worrier -- and a
big-time information purveyor. At the same time I had another child who
was a big risk-taker and boundary-tester. I specifically asked my
little IP guy if he was willing to report regularly on the doings of my
little thrill-seeker. Natch, I never let T-S get too far afield, but I
figured and extra set of eyes and ears, along with frequent detailed
reports on his doings, couldn't hurt. Eventually the thrill-seeker
calmed down and the spy-guy outgrew his constant need to report.
~ Alicia
a good purveyor of information can be very useful. Sometimes it can be
annoying -- because the tattler's motives may not be of purely helpful
intent. Sometimes (or many times) they just wanna see someone get in
TROUBLE. However, most of the time the information purveyor is simply
providing commentary while trying to figure it all out for themselves.
As a child care provider I've had many different little personalities in
my care and supervision. Any group of young children has a fascinating
and fun dynamic. I had one child who was a real worrier -- and a
big-time information purveyor. At the same time I had another child who
was a big risk-taker and boundary-tester. I specifically asked my
little IP guy if he was willing to report regularly on the doings of my
little thrill-seeker. Natch, I never let T-S get too far afield, but I
figured and extra set of eyes and ears, along with frequent detailed
reports on his doings, couldn't hurt. Eventually the thrill-seeker
calmed down and the spy-guy outgrew his constant need to report.
~ Alicia
>But speaking of "ratting..."
>Holly is finding it hard to fathom that some parents punish or criticize kids for tattling. First she had to hear what "tattle" meant, and she said "Even if it's telling them that a kid is in danger?"
>
>I told her some parents are just not clear themselves about what is good
>information and what is trying to get other kids in trouble, and so some
>parents, to make it easier on *them* have a blanket rule against "tattling."
>
>She's appalled.
>
>Good for her and her possible future kids.
>
>Sandra
>