Question C

[Jonetta]

As Misty, Josie and Harris approach the classroom, he loses his courage and balks at entering. Miss K, the school secretary, talks to him and gets him to keep moving forward but then suggests to Misty and Josie that they sneak away. Josie is appalled and Misty is more diplomatic in turning her down. Did you find Miss K’s comment and attitude odd at the time or just one of the tactics used by the school?

[Anita]

It is a common tactic that is used when a child balks at being left. Distract them and the parent slips away. I've done it myself.

[Jonetta]

I recall my sister doing it with her children. It didn’t seem so bad back then but it sounded worse here. Maybe because Josie made such a big deal.

[Anita]

I agree, it did sound really bad and made me wonder if I was a bad parent, but little bits have short memories. Josie made a big deal out of nothing.