In kindergartens and schools, gestures of gratitude have become financial obligations, demands many parents. Some of them reported that they feel pressed to contribute to increasingly expensive gifts, which rarely have a symbolic value.
Gifts are considered a sign of gratitude at school. Photo: freepik.com
Many Romanians have expressed their dissatisfaction, on social networks, to the habit of raising money for gifts for teachers, practiced in some kindergartens and schools, especially near the holidays.
Although school regulations explicitly prohibit such gestures, some parents say they feel pressured to contribute, fearing that otherwise their children will be marginalized.
Others demand the increasing value of these gifts, which have lost their symbolic character: shopping cards, expensive perfumes or other luxury objects, often proposed in discussions in parents.
“Some parents from the kindergarten of my son in Deva have recently proposed to raise money to give the educators a shopping card at the mall, on the occasion of Easter. I refused, because we have been asked for money-for other occasions-for flowers, gifts, the class fund-and there are already too much. I wrote in the group of moms that I refuse, because it is illegal to ask for something, the others were not delighted at all. a mother tells.
Gifts Stock Exchange for teachers
The collection of money to give gifts to the teachers, a practice not allowed by the school and controversial regulations, arouses dissatisfaction with many parents, but others Romanian have reconciled with the idea of being “Santa” or “Easter rabbits” for those who deal with their children’s education.
On Reddit, some of them complain, although I agree with the gifts, I do not know how much they should contribute to the key.
“I think the right amount is the one you allow. This year we have no extra money for gifts for teachers. I will ask the children to make a greeting and include a written message from our family.” writes a parent.
A mother of two children says she will share gift money to both teachers and therapists in the school system.
“Technically, the therapists are paid private, so maybe we should not include them in the same calculation. I still scratch in my head trying to figure out what the right would be. For the teachers of the older son, it seems simpler-maybe $ 25?this asks.
Father: “I don’t give any money, I can’t afford”
A parent writes that he initially decided to give his son a gift card, but the dog urgently needed a veterinarian and cost $ 400. Thus, he will remain with the excuses, and the favorite teacher with a greeting card, with the fingerprints of her palms.
“I do not give any money for gifts. I have four children and I never gave their teachers gifts, I simply allow me. In fact, I had teachers who gave my children used clothes I would like to give everyone something. I do an incredible job and I am deeply grateful.”says another mother.
The most appreciated gifts are the sincere ones, believes a teacher.
“A congratulation made by the child, a ticket from the parent in which he expresses his gratitude for the impact he had are enough. I don’t think you should feel guilty if you do not buy them.”he adds.
Another parent says he will contribute 25 euros for each of the two teachers of his children and 20 for the bus driver, in gift cards.
“Zero lei. I’m sorry, but I’m poorer than them. They will receive handmade congratulations”write, on Reddit, the mother of a child.
Another parent adds that, for the holidays, it is the “responsibility” of his four -year -old daughter to make a gift for teachers, respectively a greeting to show her gratitude.
“I am a speech therapy and I have to thank you for including the school therapist and librarian! We are often ignored”, Writes a Romanian on a Redit group dedicated to preschoolers.
Parent: “If you have BMW, it doesn’t go excuse that you have no money”
A Romanian claims that giving gifts to teachers and holiday educators is a common thing in his family.
“Teachers sometimes spend more time with our children than we are, and the good ones are true treasures-underestimated and paid poorly. That does not mean you have to break your budget. What I find disturbing is when obviously wealthy families give the minimum. A teacher told me that, in all his years of teaching, he never received something about his passions, although his parents were people with possibilities. It seemed sad. I am happy with my car, but I try to be generous with those who take care of my children ”, he concludes.
Any gift is appreciated, even a simple card, believes another Romanian.
“I plan $ 50 for the kindergarten educator, $ 20 for the librarian and the school speech therapist, $ 25 for the two children’s educators (who only goes 2 days/week and 90 min), and for the private speech therapist (an example a box of biscuits) and a greeting card made by my son.”he writes.
Another parent says he feels obliged to offer money for the gifts for teachers, because his son attends the courses of a private school and knows that the teachers are paid less than in the public system.
“I try to compensate”he adds.
Teacher about gifts: “I’m a fool”
But a former teacher recommends parents not to spend money on gifts.
“I think I’m stupid, although they are probably in the minority. On March 8, some colleagues had a kind of” competition ” – who receives the most flowers, as a sign of popularity. As well as holidays: expensive gifts were considered to be “appreciated”. Some also marked their birthday with similar expectations ”, writes the former teacher.
It adds that it seems absurd to spend money on flowers that are thrown in the next few days or on jewelry, scarves or perfumes chosen at random.
“I always told my parents that I did not want flowers, no gifts-just a respectful and collaborative attitude. Some were still coming with gifts, but I gave the women from cleanliness, which are often ignored and under-apply. writes the former teacher.
In one year, she adds, she received a Christmas globe that children wrote.
“I put it in the fir tree every year. If you want to offer something, do something like this – with emotional value, not financial. And if you do not want to give anything, it is perfect. It is not an obligation, and the other parents or the educator should not put pressure,” she concludes.
