Once upon a time, I was an 8th-grade teacher. When I share this tidbit, the usual reaction is a mix of shock and curiosity. “How did you survive those moody teens?” they ask. Honestly, I found it to be a blast! Yes, it’s a tricky age, but those kids are a hoot. They get sarcasm and can engage in some pretty deep discussions. After stepping away from the classroom to focus on my kiddos three years ago, I’ve missed that dynamic. I plan to return one day. Throughout my teaching journey, I discovered a lot about myself—not just as an educator, but also as a teammate and a leader. Plus, my students unintentionally gave me a crash course in Mommyhood.
For some of my students, I was more than just a teacher. They sought me out for guidance, a comforting presence, or simply someone to confide in. I often played the role of a mother figure, and every year I had a few kids who relied on me for support. I lovingly referred to them as “my kids,” and honestly, the experience mirrored motherhood in many ways. I taught them, set boundaries for misbehavior, and offered a shoulder to lean on during tough times. As much as I looked forward to summer break, I always felt a twinge of sadness watching “my kids” leave for high school, growing up before my eyes.
When my daughter was born, I realized just how much my teaching days had prepped me for motherhood. Here are five key lessons I learned:
1. Dealing With Attitudes
I encountered my share of eye-rolling, mood swings, and apathetic attitudes from students who couldn’t care less about my lessons. Their occasional disinterest in a story theme is basically the same as my little one’s reaction when I pull out the hairbrush. Trust me, a classroom of 28 13-year-olds definitely prepared me for the times my toddler screams “NO!” in the middle of Target because I won’t let her have a giant bouncy ball.
2. Thinking on Your Feet
There was this one time during my Anne Frank unit when I realized I’d left a crucial part of my lesson at home. Panic set in as I faced a room full of expectant students. But I quickly improvised and salvaged the lesson. This experience came in handy when my 2.5-year-old had her heart set on the park, and it suddenly started pouring. I had to whip up a Plan B faster than you can say “meltdown,” or things were about to get messy.
3. Mastering Patience
There were days in the classroom that tested my patience to the brink. Whether it was the class clown trying to rally the troops or constant interruptions during a test, I had to summon my inner zen. This practice translates directly to life as a mom, where I find myself repeating “Please don’t throw your food” more times than I can count—usually once an hour!
4. Repetition is Key
As a teacher, I often reminded my students about tests: “Don’t forget, we have a test tomorrow! See you then!” Only to hear a chorus of, “Wait, we have a test today?” As a mom, I’m no different: “Maura, please put the paint back on the table. No, back up there. Maura, the paint!” Seriously, how many times do I need to say it for it to stick?
5. Naming Future Children
Teaching also got me thinking about potential names for my future kids. Each year brought new, unique names to my attention, which I’d mentally add to my list. But, let’s face it, some names got ruined along the way. I could envision a delightful name for a boy, only to have that name forever associated with a kid who was a total handful. Sorry, Brent, but your name is now permanently linked with chaos!
To all my former students who shaped my journey, thank you for every moment. You made me love teaching and helped prepare me for my two beautiful daughters. And to my fellow teaching moms, the last day of school may bring mixed feelings. You might be relieved to see your little Brents leave, but remember, he might be longing for a maternal figure. A simple hug on his way out could mean the world to him.
For more insights on pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. If you’re looking for tools to assist in your journey, visit Make a Mom for an authoritative guide. And if you’re curious about at-home methods, consider exploring our post on home insemination kits.
In summary, my teaching days provided invaluable lessons that have shaped my motherhood experience. From navigating teenage moods to mastering the art of patience, I’m grateful for the journey.