To the editor:

I read the newspaper article regarding the obesity epidemic in children. In the first paragraph it says ” : where they spend much of their time – in school.” The children spend less than 10 percent of their time in school and 90 percent of their time with parents and family. What role do parents have in this obesity problem?

It seems society wants to take more parenting responsibilities from parents and place it on educators. In the schools today, teachers are responsible for:

¢ correcting disruptive behavior.

¢ observing for signs of abuse.

¢ monitoring dress codes.

¢ censoring T-shirt messages.

¢ checking backpacks for weapons.

¢ waging the war on drugs and sexually transmitted diseases.

¢ raising individual self esteem and personal pride.

¢ instilling patriotism and good citizenship.

¢ teaching good sportsmanship and fair play.

¢ how to balance a check book and apply for a job.

¢ how to register to vote.

¢ checking heads for lice.

¢ recognizing signs of antisocial behavior.

¢ ensuring each child meets the standards of NCLB.

¢ providing equal education regardless of handicaps.

¢ providing routine feedback to parents via phone, e-mail or in person.

Where will it end?

Ken Phipps,

Lawrence