Marzena*, mother of 8-year-old Staś, was surprised when she recently read the news on a group of parents of children from her son’s class. The topic of their conversation was a gift for the teacher at the end of the year. One of the people suggested that the collection amounted to PLN 200 per person. As our interlocutor admits, she was shocked.
Mom of an 8-year-old: This is a gross exaggeration
It turned out that the parents were planning to buy an expensive coffee machine. – I think it’s a gross exaggeration. Nobody gives me gifts for doing my duties. And like teachers, I earn little. Yes, it is good to appreciate their work. After all, they have a huge impact on the fate of our children. But let it be a bouquet of flowers, just like when I was a child. And now people are thinking of trips and other expensive gifts – says Marzena.
Parents volunteer for teachers’ trips abroad. ‘I feel embarrassed’ Photo Adam Stępień / Agencja Wyborcza.pl
In turn, Alicja, mother of 12-year-old Julka, admits that, together with a group of other parents, she protested against an expensive gift for a teacher a few years ago. One of the mothers suggested a gold necklace. However, many people did not like this. – Since then, no one has come up with such ideas. I think it’s good. My financial situation is not rosy. Another large expense would be a burden for me, he admits.
Teacher about expensive gifts: I see a big change
And what does it look like from the teachers’ perspective? Mrs. Tamara is a teacher with 29 years of experience. He works in one of the towns near Warsaw. She admits that she has noticed a big change in recent years. – Nine years ago, at the end of their studies at our school, I received an elegant handbag for PLN 500 from the students of my class. Very pretty, my style. I still wear it today. But then I felt so stupid. This gift seemed terribly expensive to me. To tell the truth, I was embarrassed when I received it, she recalls. Now, however, he looks at it a bit differently.
– I see that a lot has changed. My parents earn much better than they did in the 1990s, when I started being a teacher. This change in their attitude towards gifts is therefore natural
– he comments. However, as he adds, he does not think that trips or expensive jewelry are a good solution. – Let’s be honest, this is an exaggeration. Many parents cannot afford this. So why would they contribute to such gifts? People should come down to earth and find some middle ground in this. I say this because I am a mother myself. My daughters are now adults. However, if during their school years someone had come up with such a huge contribution at the end of the school year, I would not have been satisfied – says Mrs. Tamara.
*The names of all characters have been changed at their request.
Source: Gazeta
Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
