Thanks for this very open article. What I see here is a son who seems to have the feeling that he can talk to you about literally everything. Even skipping school. That is amazing, isn't it?
I believe that small demonstrations might usually not have much of an effect. But this is happening on a global scale and precisely the fact that concerned students skip school for the cause has attracted global attention.
I believe most of them know how important education is - they are, after all, educated enough to understand climate change and the severe consequences it has particularly on them and their future children and grandchildren! (Also, since they understand the importance of education, I'm sure that everyone who attends the meetings out of genuine concern about our future, will catch up with all the schoolwork asap!)
Having said that, I also understand your concerns. Will your kid be a good citizen? Will he find a good job? Might he ever be unemployed?
I guess, you have to ask yourself how you would define a good citizen. For me, that would be someone who does what is best for their country and the planet and not what is best for the (current) government. Sometimes, that may be the same thing. Sometimes it may not be the same thing.
I don't know your son so I don't know why he attends Fridays for Future. Chances are, though, that he is genuinely concerned about his future. We often see teenagers as revolting hormone monsters but having worked with teenagers for over a decade, I can assure you that most of them are actually smart and, while of course they have to revolt (we did too, didn't we?), they also have a strong sense of responsibility and the need to shape a future that is worth living in. Because after all they will be adults in that future...
Maybe you can find some common ground by establishing a rule that all the homework and schoolwork has to be done on Saturday, no matter what. And, I can only stress this once again, by appreciating how open he is about his skipping school. I know a lot of teenagers who would under absolutely no circumstances talk to their parents about such things. It looks like you can be really proud of your parenting so far. So no matter what you decide on: congratulations on such a great relationship with your kid! I'm sure you'll figure out a way of dealing with this situation, too. Have a great weekend!
Thank you very much for this dedicated comment. I am glad that such a reaction is coming.
It is not easy to deal with the situation. It is one thing to remember one's teenage years, quite another to find a position as a parent. I myself work with young adults in the social field and I am aware that most of these resistances have an honest and serious background. The fact that my son warned me in advance and that I don't have to learn about his absence from the school first is very valuable, I agree with you. My son and I have a very good relationship, although it is extremely difficult to have a relaxed conversation with him, in which he also listens to my point of view.
A good citizen, in my view, is someone who maintains a good balance between serving the community and always encourages himself to become aware that life is development and that one can be confrontational in life without becoming a nuisance to others. Someone who claims ethical values for himself and thinks to live by them.
Yes, you are right, he should make up for the missed school material. I have now decided to make a telephone call with the teacher and inform her where my son is at the moment. I think it is always good to be pro-active and not wait for others to react. It took me some time, this article and your answer helped me. Thank you very much for that!
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Of course it's not easy when your ethical standards are questioned - particularly not if your own family gives you that challenge. It's hard to get people of that age to listen - particularly as a parent.
Based on your definition of a good citizen, it seems that both you and your son live up to your standards.
How did the school react? Here in Austria, the ministry ruled that students' attendance of Fridays for Future is not to be counted as an excuse for their absence. A move that, in my opinion, shows helplessness and a lack of actual willingness / the ability to start a dialogue with our youth...
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