Scrumptious Snacks and Parent Parables

Yet another dusting of snow! This is a much kinder, gentler winter day in Wisconsin than the past three. Temperatures are above zero, a balmy 16 degrees Fahrenheit, and the wind is rather mild. While I am sure the maintenance crew at my apartment complex appreciates the warmer temperature, I am positive they are less pleased with the 4-5 inches of snow forecasted to fall throughout the evening and the potential for 4-6 more on Wednesday. I sincerely hope they receive a generous year-end bonus for all of their hard work. Look at the huge pile of snow next to my car!

However, the frigid, blustery days have been good gravy making days for some of my students. Look at the fantastically artistic cookies they made for me! They made a letter A and decorated it in one of my favorite colors. How delightful!

The cookies are a product of a mother and daughter (with the help of the younger daughter, too) who take joint oboe lessons with me. This leads into my first topic series: The Parent Parables. Needless to say, parents are an ever-present force in any educational or extra-curricular setting. Whether it is school, soccer practice, or piano lessons, parents can become a teacher’s invaluable ally or obstinate barrier. Through my relatively short career I am blessed to have many positive parental experiences, yet I have had some particularly unpleasant encounters. The Parent Parables series will explore the different types of parents and their involvement, or lack of involvement, in the activities and interests of their children. Stay tuned for the first installment.

Have an experience to share? Please leave a comment or send an email (hobojabasa@gmail.com).