I tend to remember the oddest things. One day after school, I was in a pharmacy picking up some glycerin for a class project. I guess I aroused the suspicion of the pharmacist because he asked me how I was going to use the product. When I told him it was for a project I was working on with my kids, he asked me how many kids I had. Now remember—he had no idea that I was a teacher. Without skipping a beat I replied, “Twenty-seven.” I can’t even begin to describe the look of shock on this guy’s face! It was absolutely hysterical. I clarified that my “kids” were my students before I left the store and fell into my car in a fit of laughter.
The thing is, I did think of my students as my kids. Of course I knew they weren’t really my kids, but I cared for them as if they were. You know what I mean, don’t you?
Happy Mother’s Day!
Diane
I understand exactly what you mean. Along with teaching, we have to be there for “our kids”. When they are having a hard day we find out what is going on and help them with the problem, if they are sick we want to know what is wrong, the list could go on and on.
They are “our kids”. We want what is best for them, we want them to be successful, we want them to be happy and we care. Isn’t it great to have so many kids in our lifes to care about??
My husband and I don’t have any children of our own yet, but like every teacher, I consider my students to be “mine.” I know that my students have developed a level of comfort with me when they call me “Mom” and they don’t realize it! I’ve never corrected them – I consider it a great compliment!
Without a doubt I consider them “my kids.” I explain at back to school night that I feel I teach as I parent. I go on to explain I have high expectations, as I did with my own children, but that I support them and give them the tools they need to each be successful in their own way. I further share my kids’ successes and how they are products of our district.
Funny you should ask. My own grown children always say to me “Mom, they aren’t your kids. We are.” I’m always saying my kids about my students. i just consider them my kids. I love them like they are my own. Don’t all teachers?
I understand you completely! I agree that it is a great compliment to be called “mom” by my kids (students). I know then that they are just as comfortable with me as their own mother! They get embarrassed, but I tell them I don’t mind. I am their “mom” at school.
My husband and I don’t have any children of our own yet. When is I talk with him and say “My kids….” he likes to remind me that we don’t have any children! Those who are not teachers just don’t understand! 🙂