- By the time you reached two, letters, numbers, and colors were child’s play. You were expected to master these basics and leap into kindergarten material before even stepping foot in preschool.
- You’re well-acquainted with “the look.” Teachers have perfected a disapproving gaze that conveys disappointment without uttering a word. This same expression was used at home, signaling that your behavior was inappropriate and needed to change immediately.
- You know when your parent shifts to their “teacher voice,” an unmistakable tone that indicates serious business.
- Acting out in class is simply not an option. With your parent being friendly with all your teachers, there’s no chance to escape consequences. You won’t be able to blame a note-passing incident on a misunderstanding; your parent will receive a full report right after class.
- Classroom setup skills are a resume booster. Instead of hiring a babysitter in late summer, your parent brought you along to help prepare their classroom. You organized seating, decorated the bulletin boards, and arranged the classroom library.
- Skipping school is out of the question. The embarrassment would be unbearable.
- Teacher gossip is as thrilling as a reality TV series, providing ample dinner conversation until it veers into uncomfortable territory.
- Packing your lunch the night before is not optional; it’s a ritual.
- Your garage is a treasure trove of school supplies, overflowing with items you never knew you needed.
- Grading assignments is taken very seriously. It’s a monumental task that overshadows everything else.
- The school day doesn’t conclude when the students leave; it’s just the beginning of your parent’s after-hours work.
- Avoid commenting about teachers enjoying summers off unless you’re ready to face some serious backlash.
- Homework is a non-negotiable. Your parent continues to tackle assignments long after you’ve completed yours.
- Parent-teacher conferences? Forget it. Your parent doesn’t need to attend those; they’re already in the loop.
- While you might play doctor or house, playing school could send your parent into a state of distress.
- By the end of the day, your parent is thoroughly exhausted from interacting with children. No matter how much they cherish you, you’re not exempt from their fatigue.
- When asked about your future career aspirations, steer clear of saying “teacher.” Your parent often shared the stresses of the job, including demanding students, challenging parents, and inadequate compensation. They encouraged you to seek a career that, while stressful, offers better financial rewards.
As my child embarks on their preschool journey this year, I reflect on my own extensive 22-year academic experience. I never had a desire to teach; the thought of managing a classroom full of children is daunting. However, the camaraderie with friends in the cafeteria, late-night report writing, and sneaking notes during class were all aspects I cherished. I hope my child finds joy and comfort in their school experience, just as I did. If they encounter challenges, I’ve enlisted my parent as a stern substitute teacher to motivate them effectively.
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Summary
Growing up with a teacher brings unique experiences and insights, from understanding classroom dynamics to navigating parental expectations. This article reflects on those experiences and offers a glimpse into what life is like when your parent is an educator.