Anyone else's parents...
 

Hey does anyone else's parents complain alot during the Build season due to the fact that you're not home alot and they think you need to have something else better to do? My mom is relentless about it, she wouldn't understand. I kindof am the leader and I want to be there. Any ideas on how to make her more understanding? (I tried the talk about education and scholarships and all the wonderful FIRST talk)

Re: Anyone else's parents...
 

Have you invited your mom to visit the build site and see what's going on with your team in person?

This year, our Parent Booster leaders have arranged for many of the students' parents, including those of rookie students, to bring in food to our shop at 6:00 PM every work day. Not only does this practice supply me with a constant source of free food (woo!), it also gets more parents into the shop to see what their kids are doing. Witnessing all the action in so many different areas - seeing different groups of students and mentors designing the robot, building the playing field, assembling prototypes, fabricating metal parts, and experimenting with the vision camera - it really shows the level of participation and dedication team members pour into the team each day. If that kind of experience doesn't convince parents that FIRST teams are a worthwhile endeavor for their children, I don't know what will!

Re: Anyone else's parents...
 

Being on a team is a huge time commitment as well as a financial one (for many students). It's important for teams to meet with all the parents/guardians early in the fall to let them know about this and encourage a dialog between parent and student... Parents may have concerns about schoolwork not getting done, chores missed, other obligations set aside. They may have concerns about transportation to and from meetings, who will be chaperoning the students while you are there, how will you be fed, how much it will cost to be on the team, etc. These are normal parental-type concerns! If they are informed early on, together the family can decide whether the student can participate actively on the team. Parents should be encouraged to stop by (if they are not already active mentors on the team) and see what you're doing!

Re: Anyone else's parents...
 

whats gotten into you? your always at school, or designing robots, or hanging around with engineers and teachers and scientists!

Why arnt you watching TV, or going to the mall everyday with your friends?

(wait, what am I saying?! :^)

Re: Anyone else's parents...
 

thats exactly right i would be doing all of those things if robotics hadnt come into our school My parents think im wierd for not coming home from robotics until 9:00 but my grades havent suffered.....yet

Re: Anyone else's parents...
 

Hey. Robotics = my anti drug. I'm the really, really hyper and energetic and somewhat of a spaz, and also a little too curious for my own good. Hadn't robotics picked me up, I have no idea where I might be right now. X_X

My mum's happy with me in it, but she gets peeved when I come home at nine and ten at night. She's worried about my safety on the subway.