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Help Me, Educators — You’re My Only Lifeline
Summer feels endless, especially when you’re navigating it with kids. Why can’t school be a year-round affair?
For the past couple of weeks, I’ve been attempting to work from home while my 5-year-old and 6-month-old engage in their daily antics, which include plotting mischief, expressing frustration, and, of course, the inevitable diaper disasters. (Not every scenario applies to both children!) We’ve taken a few trips, but traveling with little ones is not always a joyride, and we’ve explored the camp dilemma for some relief, though that can come with its own set of challenges.
The absence of a structured routine during summer—especially without camp or school—is tough on both kids and parents. It’s nearly impossible to accomplish anything when you have little ones underfoot, whether it’s making a phone call, enjoying a meal, or even sneaking away for a moment of solitude.
Kids can be demanding, and bored kids are even more of a challenge. Seriously, why aren’t educators paid more?
Keeping a 5-year-old entertained is no small feat, especially in ways that don’t leave you feeling guilty (like binging on a two-week Marvel movie marathon) or break the bank with costly summer camps. I have immense respect for teachers and wish they were here to help right now.
Spending a week managing this chaos has given me a newfound appreciation for my children’s teachers—an understatement if there ever was one. I might even sculpt a cheesy tribute for my son’s next teacher on the first day of school this fall. I’d gladly devour that sculpture if it means she’ll take my child off my hands for eight hours a day, five days a week for nine months.
We all have some connection to teachers, whether from our own school experiences or through family and friends. I have a cousin, Alex, who teaches, and while he’s incredibly patient, I can’t fathom how he manages to teach and inspire other people’s children while I struggle to keep my own in line—even on the best days.
Teachers are truly remarkable. Even if they were just keeping my kids occupied while watching TV in a corner for 180 days a year, I’d still hold them in high regard. Thankfully, they do so much more.
In their formative years, teachers effectively step in as parental figures. They care for, play with, and read to our children. As they grow older, these educators guide and mentor them—teaching essential life lessons and social skills. They do the hard work of encouraging and disciplining kids, and they manage it all with skill.
Sure, not every teacher is perfect. Some may be a bit disenchanted or grumpy, but that’s true in any profession. Yet, most of us have that one special teacher who inspired us or changed our lives in some way. Every educator deserves recognition, even those who may seem less enthusiastic.
If you decide to homeschool your kids, that’s your choice. Personally, I prefer to hand them over to those who have chosen to dedicate their lives to nurturing and educating children.
Thank goodness for teachers!
If you’re interested in more about parenting and home insemination, check out our other blog posts, like this one on intracervical insemination. For those seeking guidance on artificial insemination, Make a Mom is a great resource to explore. And for comprehensive information about pregnancy, the CDC offers excellent resources.
In summary, summer can be challenging, especially when kids are involved. It’s a time when we truly appreciate the hard work of teachers, who play such a vital role in our children’s lives. They deserve all the recognition for their dedication and resilience.