Parents: They're Important

I've been thinking a lot about the importance of having responsible parents since I started teaching in Philly. I'll hear from kids that they get beat up by their stepdad or they get high with their mom and it's just heartbreaking. I find it impossible to blame these kids for their lack of success in school or in life in general because most of their parents are, to put it frankly, deadbeats. How can a fifteen year old be expected to take ownership of his/her future? When I was fifteen all I wanted to do was play Nintendo, and if it wasn't for my mother I would have. I hated school, and didn't see why it was important. My mom MADE me see why it was important, even if I wanted to remain blind. Without her encouragement, I never would have gotten my fancy diploma and nice job. Every kid needs a kick in the ass, whether they go to Germantown Academy or Simon Gratz. You can blame the lack of academic achievement in urban schools on poor funding or lousy teachers, but at the end of the day, it's the PARENTS who must engage in the difficult task of motivating their children to come to school and do well. It's their job and they're the only ones who can do it.

Thanks, Mom, for doing your job.

Edit, June 2011
I sound like a complete asshole in this post. There are so many factors at work here, and it's wrong to place all of the blame on the parents. I was just at my school's graduation and was overwhelmed by the parent turnout. Most of the parents love and want the best for their kids.

Sorry, parents.

And mom, you're still rad.