Middle-class mindset.....

Something interesting I learned the other day and thought was worth sharing... 

So I was visiting my 96 yr. old grandmother the other day and I ran into my aunt who was there with my grandmother...  and we got on the subject of education and the boys....  My aunt is a retired school-teacher so it's rare that education won't work its way into a conversation. 

We were talking about some options for the boys far down the road.... discussing Montessori, Catholic schools,and prep.  I was saying to my aunt that while I'd want the boys to get the best quality education out there possible that I'd be cautious of sending them to one of the exclusive prep schools because of the difference in socioeconomic backgrounds and I wouldn't want the boys to feel pressured or feel they were the "have-nots"  amongst the "haves"  also there were certain "characteristics" I wouldn't want them to develop.


That's when my aunt enlightened me in her own way and  assured me that they'd be fine as long as they were in a diverse learning environment and also as she put it.... had  "middle-class" values instilled in them before they even go off to school.  She went on to tell me how she and her sister grew up in the projects but had no idea they were poor because their mom had early and often instilled in them a "middle-class" mind-set or values.  That made a lot of sense....  having my aunt explain it to me.   That's what we have to do as parents instill "middle-class" values and mind-set....  Letting the boys know.. "We may not be rich .... or "upper-middle class to be more precise....   but you don't have to act or think poor"  "Work hard, study hard... and you'll get there"

WiMi already thinks high-tea at the Taft is a way of life.... if that middle-class enough?

In all honesty.... I think my boys already think they are among the upper-middle class....  if not royalty...(and Target is their kingdom).... lol   They are in for a rude awakening....   I think they will hold their own in any environment... especially with having each other to lean on.  They've already shown they can run with the big boys...  I imagine they could learn with them as well . 

Thank you aunt Jeanette for your pearls of wisdom....

Father(ed)