Parents and Teachers

As a teacher, we have our feet stuck in two worlds. 

One foot is planted in the world of education. We see changes in curriculum, standards, and trends come and go every year.  We try to get our hands on the best practices to reach students.  We research and seek the guidance of fellow teachers to solve problems.  We can experience so much change in one year.  We are constantly asked to adapt and stretch.

One foot is also planted in the world of parents.  For some of us, we are parents.  For others, that time has not come yet.  No matter your status here, you have experience with parents and parenting. We have seen changes here too.  We see examples of different parenting styles.  We see the different outcomes these styles can have on students.

Here is where our job gets tough...we often have to take on the role of parents.  We often have to help students see the things their parents have modeled to them, may not be the best way to handle a situation.  

Here is where a parent's job gets tough...you often fighting so many influences that bombard your child.  You often are put in a position where it is easier to say yes than to say no.  

Today was a day when I had to do something tough as a parent and I had to watch a parent do something that was tough for their child.  Both weigh heavy on my mind.  Both are situations where I could be judged in my roles.  But I think in both situations, we both did what we felt was right for our kids.  I have taken what I have experienced as a teacher and administrator to help me parent (along with what my own parents did).  I also take those experiences to help guide our students and parents along this journey.  When we work together, we can often do great things.  

Perhaps the Polar Vortex sucked all the fun out of me.  Perhaps it is a just a day where I realize that we both have tough jobs and these two world overlap so much.  As educators, we need to work with parents.  We need to love those kids when they are here and want the best for them.  As parents, we need to work with the teachers.  We need to love our kids and want the best for them.  We both need to be tough on our kids.  We both need to be fair.  We both need to gain the trust of our kids.  We both need to know that is a tough job...but one that is rewarding.