Podcast Episode 164: Are Schools Failing Our Kids? This Mom Whose Daughter Dropped Out Thinks So

Thanks so much for coming by to check out Episode 164 of The New Family Podcast where we discuss how our current school system fares when it comes to engaging, educating and nurturing our kids.

I’m joined today by a woman who has a very personal story to share about her daughter’s journey with the school system. Leslie Gavel’s daughter began to disengage from the school system when she was in Grade 7, and eventually dropped out. She and I talk about the school system’s role in this and about how her daughter eventually found her way again.

Often, school fails certain students. Whether that’s because they don’t care enough or it’s because they don’t provide what a child needs depends on the school in question. However, there are usually some typical pitfalls that a school will stumble into, and as a parent, you need to look out for red flags. You can also check out the secondary school league tables on schoolguide.co.uk if you’re thinking about moving your child to a new school. Looking at the league tables can offer an indication of what a school is good at, and what they might need to improve on.

Leslie writes about this in a new book called Dropout: How School Is Failing Our Kids (and What We Can Do about It).

Here are some resources related to this episode.

Dropout: How School Is Failing Our Kids (and What We Can Do about It)

Leslie’s 1000 Families Post

Related Episode: The “4Cs” Kids Need to Thrive in the Future

Related Episode: Are Schools Doing Enough for Boys?

Related Episode: How the Arts Build Life Skills

Related Episode: Steminism! Encouraging Girls to Embrace Math and Science

Related Episode: The Difference Between Eastern and Western Parenting

Leslie’s parenting Advice

“I spoke to a psychologist that I was interviewing for a magazine article and his piece of advice was ‘Respect is the key to teaching youth values.’ I typed that out and put it on a mirror so that everyday when I felt my anxiety raising and I was getting in the ring about school yet again, that wasn’t being very respectful. So that I held on forever and I think is really, really profound. So respect is the key to teaching youth values.”

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Brandie Weikle

About Brandie Weikle

Brandie is a long-time parenting editor, writer and spokesperson. Most recently editor-in-chief of Canadian Family magazine, Brandie has also been the parenting and relationships editor for the Toronto Star, founding editor of two Toronto Star websites, and an editor for Today's Parent. Brandie is a single mother of two in Toronto and a frequent television and radio guest on parenting topics. A former digital director at House & Home Media, she also consults on digital audience engagement. Contact her here. View all posts by