An interesting story came across my desk this morning. According to WRAL.com, the Johnston County School system has banned students from bringing lip balm on campus without a note. The reason, they write, is to cut down on sickness through shared use.I don't know about you, but I would not have survived a cold winter without my Chapstick. For as long as I can remember, I used to carry a jug of Vaseline, Carmex, or some other lip protection. As a matter of fact, I have one at home, one at the office, and a stick in my briefcase. Shouldn't the student have the same right?
As I write that, I am reminded of those times when I forgot the Chapstick. It took all I had within me to concentrate on the task at hand and not on my burning lips. To ease the discomfort, I was forced to lick my dehydrated kissers. Now, this wasn't all bad, considering L.L. Cool J made it a fade in my day. However, given enough time, the lips would only dry out faster and eventually bleed.
As a father of three children, I don't like the idea of sending my kids to school without the necessary tools. Of course, this means pencils, pens, paper, backpack, antibacterial gel, Kleenex, and Chapstick.
Banning my child from using lip balm, when necessary, does nothing to teach him about being responsible. When I was young, we were cautioned against sharing combs, brushes, and lip balm. However, if we chose not to listen and caught lice, ring worm, or some other ghastly ailment, we dealt with it and learned our lesson.
Stop babying the kids and let them learn to to be, or continue to be, responsible. Additionally, I'm sure there are better things the school system can regulate than when my kids can, or cannot, use personal hygiene items.
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