As I walk through the aisles of our local office supply store, I can’t help but to get a tinge of sadness. The smell of fresh paper, pens, pencils, and crayons are enough for this former teacher to break down right there in the middle of Office Depot. Not that I am unhappy doing what I do now, but I do miss some parts of teaching that I could never get from any other career.
I miss building relationships with kids. I miss talking to kids, who aren’t my own, every day. I miss those first day jitters. “Who is going to be in my class? Are all of my students going to have all of their supplies? Who will miss the first day of school? Will all of my students listen? Will my students know to speak up when there is a problem?” The jitters that go through your mind as a teacher are very similar as those you have as a parent and even as a student.
I am now on the other side of the fence. Nicholas is about to start 2nd grade. At this point, I have sent him to school for two years and he has been totally fine but, I still get that nervousness about sending him to a new classroom with a new teacher that doesn’t know anything about bleeding disorders!
I know I am fortunate because I know what life is like as teacher, but I am still a parent and he is still my baby. He has a bleeding disorder and I NEED to know that he will be ok.
These are some of the things I learned as a teacher that I need to remind myself of:
- Your child’s teacher wants to know about your child’s bleeding disorder. They want to know what they can do to help.
- Teachers LOVE their students. They become part of their family and even though they are excited for summer, they are sad to see them go at the end of the school year.
- Teachers spend most of their day making sure your child is safe. It is their top priority!
- Accidents will happen. Teachers have to see and hear everything and, YES, they will miss things. And yes, that is ok! Teach your child’s teacher about bleeding disorders. Knowledge is power!
- Your child’s teacher wants to know about doctor’s appointments, lab work, and any changes in your child’s health. They do not need to know every detail but, if your child has any anxiety when it comes to appointments, teachers can sometimes help ease those fears.
- When a teacher tells a child that they know about an appointment or event in their lives, it provides an opportunity for bonding. Children feel safer when they have a relationship with their teacher.
- Encourage your child to talk to his or her teacher and to the school nurse. Build that relationship! While teachers are busy and spread very thin these days, they do want to connect with your child.
- Studies have shown that children are more successful when parents are more involved in their education. Teachers could always use some help. Volunteer when and if you can. If you can’t be in the building every week, that is ok. Try to help from afar, volunteer for field trips, or come to events at school with your child. Show your child that you trust and value their school. It makes a world of difference.
As I continue to remind myself of these points, I still have those first day jitters. Even though I know Nicholas will have a great year, I still can’t help but worry. In a few weeks, I will look back and all this worry and stress will seem ridiculous!
Carrie lives with her husband Mark, and 7-year-old son, Nicholas, and 2-year-old daughter, Aleesia, in Maryland.
*Note: “Infusing Love: A Mom’s View,” is a blog collection of personal opinions and a representation of individuals experiences. While extensive efforts are made to ensure accuracy of the content, the blog entries do not represent HFA or its Board of Directors. The blog is also not intended to be construed as medical advice or the official opinion/position of HFA, its staff, or its Board of Directors. Readers are strongly encouraged to discuss their own medical treatment with their healthcare providers.
