Firstly I would like to quickly explain that this is the first time I have ever posted, so apologies if I don’t explain myself fully or too much!
My son is 8 years old, his class are doing a project at school over the full term, where they design and then present a new “food or drink” product. They have been separated into small groups of 3/4 pupils. My son was really excited initially at the prospect and came home immediately designing some wacky and fun ideas…things like magic burping drinks and hotdog shaped crisps!
The next week he then returns home very upset as his group have chosen to design a fizzy pink wine drink for adults. He explained that only one child in the group had wanted this idea and that they had managed to dominate the discussion. We discussed ways he could promote his own ideas and ways he could encourage the group to be more democratic.
After a chat with my partner, (he is a GP and I am a social worker) I also then wrote to the teacher expressing my concern that firstly the group wasn’t hearing everyone’s voice, and secondly most importantly we had concerns how appropriate it is for 8 year old children to be thinking about and promoting alcohol.
The teacher replies stating that they had witnessed some of the groups discussion, that they thought it was a “sweet” idea and they didn’t think the children had intended for the wine drink to be alcoholic. They said if I wanted to discuss further to talk to them.
We agree with my son that he will go back to school and try to address it himself, talking to the other opposing members in the group (there are only 3 children..so the idea is only coming from one child) and making a new idea, going with the majority.
He came home yesterday so upset and crestfallen. He said that both he and the other group member had said they didn’t want this idea, however when the teacher asked the group to confirm their product she had spoken out first, so wine it is!!!
I feel that this is really unacceptable on a few levels, including what I consider a safeguarding issue. Yes children are aware of alcohol at age 8, they understand it’s for adults, however do I want my son thinking about it in such a positive and ill informed way! I think it’s a PSHE topic, which should obviously be approached but when they are older. I would much prefer his mind to be consumed with magic burping potions and hotdogs!!!
I really don’t know how to proceed. I don’t want to create any unnecessary pressure for my son, it’s not really his responsibility to police the group, I also don’t want to be that overly anxious “helicopter” parent…whatever that means!!!!
What do you think??? Would you be ok with it? Should I approach the teacher again? Should I encourage my son to go back and challenge it even though it might make him anxious? I’m in a bit of a pickle about this! All advice welcome please.