School …

My early life at home was not always comfortable, warm or dry. It was sometimes unsafe, and I was allowed more responsibility than was healthy for a child. Personal hygiene was not a priority. My parents sometimes neglectful and harsh. Nonetheless, it was my home, and I was protected from the outside world which for me was to be so much more hazardous. Looking back and now I am parent myself, under the circumstances they tried their best. School on the other hand was by far worse the teachers were judgemental, intolerant and without empathy. The teaching methods repetitive, monotonous and deadly dull. They used spiteful punishments for even the most trivial misdemeanour. My parents for all their faults taught me the skills  at home, directly or indirectly that  have stood me in good stead as healthy and creative person, as a parent, at work and socially. 

I did get 6 GCSEs, BA and MA and have had a rich and fulfilled working life. But my experience at school was traumatic. I have an inherent fear of teachers and the schoolroom situation. Since, I remain a curious and eager to learn I approach learning with trepidation. Often, I teach myself, but I am a horrid taskmaster so while I don’t wield a whip, there must be a cake not so much a carrot!