Here's some correspondence worth blogging. This is an extract from a discussion about homework and stationary from the 8 year old in my life...

Teacher: Would it be possible to get Samuel a pencil case? At the moment he's borrowing a classmate's spare one. He also doesn't have any pens/pencils etc. Are you happy with me sending him to the office to get some basics (to be put on your account) or would you like me to send a list home?

Post us a stationary list. He says he has pens and pencils, as well he should. Like the reading, we want economic incentives around pens and pencils. I find that if they own them and pay for them, they look after them. Pumping the kids full of new goodies every time they misplace or destroy the last lot is a Pigouvian subsidy which rewards further carelessness toward capital goods in the secure knowledge that Vanessa and Rick will keep forking out for more.

Fairly harmless for now, but I strongly suspect that kids who have irresponsibility subsidised by their parents will apply it to other things in life beyond stationary. It's a short step from that to voting Labour. Worse, they might vote Green!

Don't worry, we'll make sure he has everything he needs within his reach. Let's both make sure he doesn't have a lack of personal responsibility subsidised at home or from staff or other students at school.

Rick,
Loburn