Snippets

Here are a few snippets that I kept from the Guardian for some reason
(probably to turn into a blog post). Enjoy and consider:

"Globalisation doest not apply to the service sector, where 20
million people work. It is a term used to disguise the hard truth
that GDP growth is irrelevant to those who don't share in it. GDP
per capita is a meaningless statistic that pretends all wealth is
equally shared. Class-blind economics conveniently celebrates growth
even when it enriches the well-off at the expense of the low paid."

"I think the idea [a national curriculum for under-fives] is
ridiculous. I would wipe my child's bottom with any official
national curriculum for pre-school children that came through my
door!

For the under-fives, the main responsibility lies with the parents,
the most important people in the child's life. Here is what should
really be on their curriculum:

Talking to them from birth, all time, and taking their dummies out so
they can talk back. Giving them a routine and sense of discipline.
Not being afraid to say no; somebody has to be in charge and it has
to be the adult, children can't cope with being in control even if
they like to push against the boundaries. Feeding them good food
when they're hungry, but not panicking if they miss a meal and not
making mealtimes into a battle. Acknowledging that they get fearful.
Teaching them politeness. Letting them fail and realise that
getting it wrong sometimes is not a disaster. Giving them
responsibility, but not beyond their years. Letting them get used to
their own company and liking themselves. Giving as much love as you
can, because you never spoil them by loving them. Going with your
instincts and not being hidebound by what other people say."