All praises to teachers

I went with the kid's class to Tibet-Butler Preserve today, and came away not with new knowledge about nature but with even more respect for teachers (and as the daughter of a teacher, my respect level was already pretty doggone high).

Even though each child had a parent present ostensibly to keep everything under control, the energy and noise levels were incredibly high. Frustratingly high, in fact. Somehow, though, the preschool teachers managed to enforce order and, when warranted, encourage silence with a minimum of fuss. It was amazing.

They have skill sets I don't possess. It would be difficult for me to keep that number of children from accidentally maiming themselves each day.

Power and respect to them. They should be paid more highly.

Y.N. Rich Kids, "My Bike"

I like this -- but the video makes me cringe because the kids aren't wearing helmets.

In which the mom from 'The Cat in the Hat' answers her critics

Ever wondered where the parents of the kids in 'The Cat in the Hat' were when the titular cat came and wrecked their home?

The 'mom' finally speaks.

(image via Random House)