No Time Outs from their Time Out

The American Academy of Pediatrics publishes a journal whose title, to the surprise of few, is "Pediatrics."  Their latest issue includes a Policy Statement entitled "The Crucial Role of Recess in School."

I agree with MOST of what is in the Policy Statement, but vehemently beg to differ with their assertion that "In essence, recess should be considered a child’s personal time, and it should not be withheld for academic or punitive reasons."

It must be disclosed that during my grade school years, on account of certain of my personal childhood propensities, yes, I did spend many a recess period sitting at my desk or in the principal's office.  And my teachers, no doubt, would agree that I right well deserved those disciplinary disengagements.

This is yet another descent down the slippery slope of entitlements. Sending the child to the principal's office in lieu of recess teaches the lesson, and instills the value, of the relationship between rights and responsibilities.  Making recess the child's "personal time" which cannot "be withheld for academic or punitive reasons" can only give the troublemaking brat another entitlement to exploit, and does not facilitate the development of taking responsibility for his or her actions.

I hold pediatricians in high regard as a profession, and most of the ones I know in high regard as persons.  But when they stray from their area of expertise, they can cause all kinds of troubles and complications.

The late Dr. Benjamin Spock comes immediately to mind in that regard.