Care and Feeding | Slate's parenting show

My Kid Was Late and Lost Their Helper Day

Dec 19, 2024

Dillon Michael White, a returning guest host and parenting enthusiast, joins Jamilah and Lucy to dive into the chaos of kids and punctuality. They tackle a kindergartener's helper day dilemma, discussing the emotional weight of being late due to parental challenges. The trio advocates for empathy in school policies and shares personal stories about managing family schedules. They also celebrate joyful moments, including sibling bonds and fun family games, all while providing practical tips for navigating the ups and downs of parenting.

36:14

Episode guests

Dillon Michael White

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Timeliness is vital in kindergarten, yet strict penalties for lateness can be unfairly detrimental to young children's emotional well-being.

Open communication about parental punctuality can help children learn resilience and accountability while navigating feelings related to rules and consequences.

Deep dives

The Impact of Timeliness in Kindergarten

Timeliness in kindergarten is emphasized as a crucial aspect of routine and discipline. A particular incident where a child was penalized for being late highlights the unfairness of punishing kids for issues primarily caused by parental time management. The discussion indicates that kindergartners are not equipped to handle the emotional fallout from such strict policies, as it could lead to feelings of disappointment and anxiety. Experts suggest that instead of a total loss of privileges, a more lenient approach should be considered, allowing kids to still engage in some capacity while learning about accountability.

Intro

2min

Navigating Punctuality and Punishment in Early Education

4min

Navigating 'Helper Day' Stress

13min

Managing Family Events and Shared Responsibilities

5min

Siblings and Snowy Adventures

8min

Celebrating Family Triumphs and Engaging Gameplay

4min

On this episode: Jamilah, Lucy, and returning guest host Dillon Michael White answer a question from a member of the Slate Parenting Facebook group about being on time. This kindergartener’s class has helper days that you lose if you’re late to school that day… but what do you do when it’s your fault your kid is late?

After that, of course, we’ll circle up to share some Triumphs and Fails.

Join us on Facebook and email us at careandfeedingpod@slate.com to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes. You can also call our phone line: (646) 357-9318.

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Podcast produced by Maura Currie.

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