Kids make me laugh, cry, and are bright as hell

Jun 29 2008 Elaine C. Smith

IT'S that time of year again when kids gear up for the holidays and exhausted teachers pull out all the stops for leavers' dos, prizegivings, sports days and trips.

Yes, all the things that we parents conveniently forget they do above their normal job when we are slagging them off about their long holidays.

I was at Garrow hill Primary in Glasgow the other night.

Their leavers' do was on the theme of celebrity and they asked me as a supposed celebrity (obviously Robbie Williams was unavailable) to come and judge the 'best dressed' contest.

I walked up the red carpet with the "heidy" (he was James Bond) and we passed a couple of Amy Winehouses, a few Posh Spices and Paris Hiltons and even Tinkerbell.

But best for me were the three wee boys who had dressed up as Jack, Victor and Winston from Still Game.

I even overheard one wee rascal ask: "Is that the real Elaine C. Smith or someone dressed up?"

I was also at Bannerman High for my daughter's prizegiving. Yes, my wean got a prize and I admit there was a tear in my eye...but not just for Hannah.

It was the work that all the kids had done - hundreds of them from the school show, those who excelled in academic subjects and at sports.

Best of all were the kids who got "endeavour awards" because you knew every one of them had overcome huge personal difficulties.

These aren't the brainy or athletic kids but they deserve their awards just as much.

I was also at the Broadcasting Commision where we had a submission from the Children's Parliament followed by the Scottish Youth Parliament who deal with our teenagers and students.

They were brilliant as they spelled out their feelings and opinions about TV and broadcasting.

All of these events demonstrate to me our kids are doing just fine.

Yes, some aren't and they must be helped but it seems they are the only ones who are paid any attention, further increasing our fears for our own children.

Wouldn't it be good to have a more positive picture sometimes?