Having spent time as an 8th-grade teacher, I often receive astonished looks when I share my experience. Many people wonder how I managed to navigate the ups and downs of moody teenagers daily. The truth? I genuinely enjoyed it. Sure, it posed challenges, but it was equally rewarding. My students were often witty and capable of engaging in meaningful discussions. Since stepping away from teaching to focus on my kids three years ago, I’ve felt a void. One day, I plan to return to the classroom. During my time as an educator, I gained invaluable insights into my role as a leader, collaborator, and, unexpectedly, a motherly figure.
For many of my students, I became more than just a teacher; I was a confidant and a source of support. Each year, several students sought my guidance, sharing their worries and secrets with me. I embraced the varied roles I played in their lives. I referred to them as “my kids,” and the experience was akin to motherhood—nurturing them, setting boundaries, and providing comfort in tough times. While I celebrated the arrival of summer on the last day of school, part of me always felt a pang of sadness watching “my kids” move on to high school, embarking on their new adventures.
After seven years of honing my skills with my students, I welcomed my first daughter. Here’s how my teaching experience readied me for motherhood:
1. Dealing with Attitudes
I encountered plenty of hormonal ups and downs in the classroom, from disinterested students to those brimming with energy. Their lack of enthusiasm for a lesson mirrors my child’s reaction to hairbrush time. A classroom of 28 teenagers set the stage for handling tantrums, like when my toddler screams “NO” in the middle of Target because she can’t have a giant bouncy ball.
2. Thinking on My Feet
During a lesson about Anne Frank, I suddenly realized I’d forgotten crucial materials at home. Panic set in as I faced an expectant group of students. Yet, I quickly devised a backup plan, saving the lesson. This adaptability has served me well as a mom, especially when my child insists on going to the park—only for rain to spoil our plans. Quick thinking is essential in those moments of impending chaos!
3. Cultivating Patience
There were days when I needed to channel my inner zen. My students could certainly test my limits, from the class clown aiming to distract everyone to the constant interruptions during tests. Flexibility was key, as was maintaining composure. This daily practice in patience translates seamlessly into my home life with my children. In fact, I often find myself needing to practice patience once an hour—if not more!
4. The Art of Repetition
As a teacher, I frequently reminded students about tests: “Don’t forget, we have a test tomorrow!” Yet, some would still exclaim in disbelief the next morning. As a mom, I find myself repeating, “Maura, please put the paint back on the table.” It’s a never-ending cycle of reminders that can be both amusing and frustrating. How many times do I have to say it before it sticks!?
5. Naming Future Kids
Teaching has given me a unique perspective on names. Each year, I’d collect names that piqued my interest for potential future children. However, some names became forever tainted by the behavior of certain students. A name I once adored might now remind me of a troublesome child. For instance, I can’t hear the name “Jake” without recalling a certain student’s antics!
To all the incredible students who graced my classroom, thank you for shaping my teaching style and preparing me for the joys of motherhood. Your challenges and triumphs have enriched my life in ways I couldn’t have imagined.
And to my fellow teacher-moms, I know the last day of school brings mixed emotions. While you might be eager to see the back of certain students, remember that they may need your support more than you realize. A simple hug on their way out could mean the world to them.
If you’re interested in exploring more about this journey, check out our post on how motherhood changed the way I would teach. And for those looking into at-home insemination, you can find reputable supplies at Cryobaby’s home insemination syringe kit. Additionally, Resolve.org offers excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, my experience as a teacher has profoundly shaped my approach to motherhood, teaching me invaluable lessons about patience, adaptability, and the importance of nurturing relationships.
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