I like this topic, been wondering about ya'lls thoughts for a while.

Many good points brought up here, I especially like the CATS check mentioned in an earlier post, and the idea of each student keeping a log(actually I do, and have been for several years now myself - mostly due to a crappy memory). I enjoy instructing, though I've only been doing it for about 2-3 years now(flying for 15, self taught- the hard way). I've seen many of the problems/issues in this post, including the kids. My take on it is even if they show up for 5 minutes on the buddy-box and see it as an "amusement", it will be something they always(hopefully) remember. Who knows, they may get back into it when they're older, or later in life after everything else is taken care of(family, job, etc). It's worth every second.

I've never received anything other than a "thanks!" for my time, and that's just fine by me. I instruct to scratch a slightly different itch - I see it as an enhancement to my enjoyment of the hobby, not as cutting into my flying time. I love to see one of my students solo, even if it takes several years. That, in my opinion, is even better than seeing one of my planes fly. If a student(or anybody else) needs something to get their plane into the air that I have, it's theirs. It's just part of the hobby, and really does pay back in the long run.(kind of a karma thing I guess?)

As far as students working with different instructors, I see that as a good AND bad thing, and prefer my students to stick with me until they get close to the "solo stage", although work and family life makes it difficult to be there for each flight. It is good to experience several different instructor's methods and techniques, maybe a different way of doing things will be easier for the student to understand and apply.

Another good point made above - THE PHONE STILL WORKS. Expecting an instructor to just "magically appear" when needed does not and will not ever work. I can't read minds, and my memory sucks. Just like full-scale aviation, communication is critical- before, during, and after each flight, even before showing up at the field.