First of all, I want to thank Abbey for creating such a dynamic place for mompreneurs to showcase their businesses, find camaraderie and resources from other moms, or sometimes just enjoy a cup of coffee. I am sure I am not alone when I say I wish Abbey and her family all the best, and congratulations on that new baby! Wonderful. That being said…on to the blogging!
When I am not busy building my empire, raising three kids (four, if you count my husband), attending various community events, and sleeping (which I don’t do nearly enough), I am a substitute teacher. Although I have had the occasional middle or high school gig, primarily I seem to be asked to teach in the elementary school classrooms. I absolutely love it. When my phone rings at 6am for a possible job, I am filled with excitement thinking about what fabulous things my new little friends will want to tell me that day. I adore the look the kids all get on their faces as they come into their classrooms and see my smiling face, instead of their regular teacher. I get to be “Fun Mrs. Clercx,” and it is a position I relish, since I rarely get to be that person in my other lives.
As I get kids into and out of coats and boots for recesses, get them to lunch, the restroom, or deal with any other errand we have to do that day, I suddenly become self-conscious of what I sent (or didn’t send) my daughter to school in that day or what fun but embarrassing facts she overheard while I was gossiping to a girlfriend on the phone (yes, ladies…I gossip). If your mornings are anything like mine are, you just feel lucky to get your kids out the door in time for school, let alone pay attention to what they were wearing when they left (provided it wasn’t a micro mini-skirt and a face full of red lipstick…I would probably notice that). Let’s face it: we’re busy, and we’re not perfect. I get it. That’s why I have decided to take this opportunity to share some things I have learned while being a substitute teacher for kids just like yours. I hope it helps!
1. Kids will go outside for recess. Trust me on this. No matter the weather, by the time recess rolls around during the day, both teachers and students need the break. They are more consistent than the post office with this. Believe me. A sub’s advice: make sure your child is dressed appropriately for the weather. There is nothing sadder than to have to send a kid outside without a coat when it is cold. Or, they have a coat, but they wore shorts or a skirt to school. Just take a minute. If you aren’t wearing shorts, your kids shouldn’t be, either.
2. Kids tell their teachers EVERYTHING. I can’t tell you what a fabulous education I have received during my tenure as a substitute teacher, or how many times my face has reddened upon hearing about what Zack’s dad secretly calls Aunt Rita’s new boyfriend, or that Tiffany’s mom has a yeast infection. My stock response is usually, “Thanks for telling me that, [name here], but we’re actually working on something else right now,” and we just move on with our day. Now, I am sure that none of us have deliberately shared the unfortunate news of a yeast infection with our small children…but they hear it. And they remember it. And they tell their teacher. Just some food for thought the next time you’re having “grown-up” talk. Make sure your kids aren’t around.
3. Kids use the bathroom at school. And, they have to do it by themselves. Think about this: there is absolutely no way that your child’s teacher can take your child potty and help him/her unbuckle and rebuckle that adorable (but horrifyingly impossible) belt that goes perfectly with the new top and jeans she just had to wear to school today, or the awesome Hot Wheels overalls with the extremely tight clasps that your son just adores. There are 15-18 other kids in the classroom that need her just as much. Dress them in something they can pull on and off themselves. It makes everyone’s life easier. Same goes for lace-up shoes. If they can’t tie them themselves, don’t send them to school in them. Who do you think ends up tying all those shoes?
So, there you go, ladies, just a few bits and pieces of what I have learned while being a sub. I hope these insights help you and your kids have better school days. I know your teachers will love you for it (especially the subs).
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