Describing children as feral

[FollowingFlitwick]

Seeing a lot of posts on social media where parents are describing their children as feral due to spending all their time at home, home schooling during lockdown. Why? And where has this come from? Does this mean the sole responsibility for creating well-rounded children falls to schools?

i think its generally meant in a light hearted way as lots of kids have lost their routine

It’s because parents are trying to work full time and also homeschool and therefore don’t have the time or energy to enforce hair brushing or eating at the table (for example).

Urgh, come on.

Its meant as a joke because routine has been lost. Not that parents have absconded all responsibility and the kids are fending for themselves.

Very light hearted , don't get your knickers in a twist .

Children need boundaries and routine. It is very hard for parents to provide that when they're working from home and trying to get their children to engage with some sort of school work.

It is a light-hearted phrase but I think most of us can identify with it.

They're joking.

Totally didn't read it in a light hearted way! Now I've thought about it, it makes so much more sense! God, I need a coffee. Maybe I'm the feral one!!

Really? Come on.

its a joke.

But the more serious point would be that the sole responsibility for creating well-rounded children doesn't fall on schools, but bringing up well rounded children does require some input which is tricky you have to work and the things that normally provide that input are closed or banned.

joke
/dʒəʊk/
Learn to pronounce
noun
a thing that someone says to cause amusement or laughter, especially a story with a funny punchline.
"she was in a mood to tell jokes"

It is just that. I have described my children as feral. Ive been having to chase them round the house with a hairbrush, threaten and bribe them in to changing from their pyjamas, they’re constantly hoovering up food.

School does amazing things for kids don’t get me wrong but I am very much a present parent and it’s been hard for the last year, really hard. Hence, they are feral. Like purple minions.

It’s definitely lighthearted but lockdown has also highlighted how much some parents rely on schools for ‘childcare’ 🙄

You say that like people actually have an option @HeathIns.

Thanks everyone. Didn't mean to start something. I very much read comments out of context, my fault!

I described myself as feral to a friend the other day, I haven’t worn makeup for months and live in leggings and sweatshirts (normally wear a suit for work but am furloughed) .
She knew it meant I’ve just not made an effort with my appearance not that I’ve taken to rummaging through bins and living under a bush !

@FollowingFlitwick

Thanks everyone. Didn't mean to start something. I very much read comments out of context, my fault!

You're totally forgiven . Much to early in the day to start a bun fight x

@ThrowingAShellstrop

You say that like people actually have an option *@HeathIns*.

Some do, some don’t!

My point is, parents who showed active disdain for teachers and school (pre Covid) were the first to complain to our HT when the Government closed schools.
It’s just free childcare to them.

So people that send their kids to school whilst they work (aka a form of 'childcare') are bad people? Or maybe they dont work, but the kids still have to go to school anyway. Either way, kids are at school?? Or are you saying those parents that dont work should home school the kids because they dont need the 'childcare'?

I dont understand this argument AT ALL.

It's a bit of a half joke for me, mine ARE pretty feral

I’ve joked plenty of times my kids are feral. The teen isn’t even up yet, and the youngest actually hissed at me when I shuffled her out of her room towards the bathroom this morning, exactly like a feral cat
Middle is happy as long as he gets his Minecraft time after schoolwork, though I’m hoping he doesn’t notice the screentime timer has been reduced by 15 minutes, because the lack of routine has generally increased use of screens and he’s definitely getting addicted!

Why are you talking about all parents Letsall?
Not all parents show active distain for teachers and schools do they?

I wouldn’t say mine are feral but my God, they’re lazy!!

My point is that complaining that parents use school as free childcare makes no sense to me whatsoever.

Please could you explain it?

Please could you explain it?
I did. At 9.23.

15yo is feral. Barely see her. She’s either in her room or roaming around he streets with her best friend taking their dog for 10 mile walks because she is so sick of the house.

She made pancakes at 2am, wears pyjamas for 3 days straight (until it’s time to walk friend’s dog).

No routine, no regular outside contact for months on end and we’re all a bit feral, I thought.

Ok. You didnt provide any explanation. Its just a statement. You also seem quite hostile. I dont really want to engage with you anymore. Have a nice day.