I’m turning 65 this year. It’s been a long time since I was in school. However, there are some things that you never forget.

Like the time in fifth grade when they took the boys in one room and the girls in another and explained about menstruation. We all came out wide eyed and a little embarrassed. Other than that, our parents were responsible for teaching us personal things. It was their job to help us become good people and not having prejudices against any group of people. Was it perfect? No, but I still believe that schools should stick to teaching what they’ve always taught and not be teaching critical race theory or sexual orientation.

Our young people are under a tremendous about of pressure heightened by the internet and constant communication with their peers. Why are we adding to their confusion? Some things you learn as you go and some things you change your mind about as you mature.

I remember my high school days being fun and sometimes awkward. When I was young, a schoolyard fight ended when school ended. You didn’t have the ability to continue it once you got on the bus to go home. Your house phone was the only way to communicate and was usually mounted on a wall in the kitchen. No privacy there!

I’m grateful that I don’t have a child in the school system. I would be livid about all that is going on in our schools. I was the president of the PTA and involved in my daughter’s education. It wasn’t unusual to see me at the school several times a week. Her teachers knew that I would defend her if needed, but I also held her responsible for things she shouldn’t be doing. I believe that good teachers respect parents that get involved.

I have several friends that are teachers or work in the school system. They are devoted and really care about their students. They say it’s getting increasingly difficult to teach the basics with all the other things they are being forced to teach and do.

I have nothing but respect for teachers. I think that parents need to inquire about some of the things that their children are being taught and some of the literature that is now available.

Sometimes the saying “keep it simple” makes sense.