Yesterday, I decided to teach you a bit about the Foster Grandparent Program. For the reason, see yesterday's entry.
The Foster Grandparent Program is something I'm quite familiar with because my mom, the family geezer, is one.
Mom started her exciting volunteer work as a grandma in the school system (not naming which one), several years ago after giving up her paper-route.
Since then she's met some rather interesting characters. From the student who never took a bath and enjoyed farting in class to a teacher who preferred to play with her pc, rather than teach special ed kids.
She's also met some outstanding teachers, who are the role models for everything a teacher should be. Thankfully, they are more plentiful than the other.
Anyway, here's our interview from last night.
ME: What do teachers think about having a grandma in the classroom?
MOM: They all like it, because I can give the individual attention that they don't have time to give. When I miss, the teacher hates it because the student I take care of just sits there or just goes to sleep. I mean what would you do if you weren't capable of learning at that level?
ME: What do the teacher's aides think of grandparents?
MOM: I have had some of the aides say, "Look at all the jobs that you are all taking!" Yes, that's exactly how they look at it.
I don't blame them. I can see their point of view on that, but think of how much really they (the state & local, etc) could be paying real aides. They couldn't afford all this nice free help that they're getting.
You think about how much teachers and teachers aides make - think about how much the government is saving.
ME: How do you think the kids see grandparents in the school system?
MOM: They enjoy having us there. They treat us like we are they're grandparents. Some of the kids don't have grandparents outside of the school.
ME: Do they talk to you the way they would their real grandparents?
MOM: They tell me things that I don't need to know. I hear about their love lives and all the things they get into behind their parent's backs. (laughing)
ME: So what do you hope to achieve as a grandparent?
MOM: Well, some of these kids are being raised rough. One of the girls had been sexually abused by her mother's husband for who knows how long.
Another's parents weren't mentally well and never taught him anything about personal hygiene, which made a serious problem in the classroom. (the stories go on and on)
I always feel like I'm a good moral person and I always keep hoping something I'm saying or doing or not knowing that I'm saying or doing, they might remember it.
I think that's the important part - to be a good example in front of them, because a lot of them don't have that at home.
ME: So what does it mean to you personally, and if you could add in what other grandma's have said to you.
MOM: Well, life would be boring if I had to sit here every day. I think we all feel that way.
ME: The government gives you a stipend. Does it really help much?
MOM: Yes. You can't get too far ahead. We get a little bit to help pay the gas. We get $1.50 for lunch and we're given $2.50/hour.
The little extra helps me with my bills.
ME: What would you say to someone who might be interested in becoming a grandparent in the school system?
MOM: It's a good idea. You have to be someone who loves kids or forget it. Some people just think about themselves all the time and are not that crazy about kids. But for someone who has always enjoyed working with kids - this is ideal.
If you know of someone over 60, who is low income and loves kids, here's the link to learn more about becoming a foster grandparent.
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