“Being a teacher and a mother is a really tough double role; you are paid to spend your days nurturing other peoples’ kids, yet feel guilty within, if you need time to look after your own…”
Ritu
By no means is this a dig at anyone who I work with.
I am lucky with my management team. They totally understand that family is a most important part of our lives, and that work/life balance is key to happy teachers and success at school for all.
No.
I am talking about that internal tug of war we educators will all feel, at one time or another, if we decide to start our own families.
The amount of times I have had to argue with myself about letting my class, the parents, and the school down, if I end up taking a day or two off because own child is unwell…
It’s silly really, isn’t it?
Obviously my child should come first, and they do, believe me, but I am also lucky that under normal circumstances, I have their grandparents to help out if they are under the weather. If they are really bad, there are times only mummy will do.
But times like now, when the in-laws are away, it gets hard.
Take today for instance.
Lil Princess was battling with a severe headache on the weekend. She woke up on Monday with a slight ache still, but wanted to soldier on. Dosed up with Calpol, she went to school but I worried about her a lot, as she wasn’t right, and I also had the added joy of Parent’s Evening that night, until 7pm…
She walked to her grandparent’s house at the end of the day and developed a really bad cold, which was what the headache was a precursor to… Head cold. No fun.
Tuesday, she was full of it. Bunged up. Head ache, cough. Temperature.
It was awful for her.
My bro and sis in law were both home and they had already offered to have her the next day, as they knew I had another Parent’s Evening and they happened to be home.
But I felt so bad.
I know this parents meeting is really important. But so is my kid.
Again, I feel thankful. I am lucky enough to have a solution to childcare. And the offer of her being there today too, if she is still not right, is reassuring. I am not fobbing her off on anyone. But the guilt…
The guilt that I am projecting on myself… I should have stayed at home. I should have not thought a toss about work.
Yet I did.
And I left her… (in good hands, of course)
Written for Linda’s #1LinerWeds Challenge
Jennie
Mar 10, 2019 @ 15:28:04
This is exactly what we teachers do. It tears at us. You are lucky to have family nearby.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ritu
Mar 10, 2019 @ 15:34:15
I count myself as blessed!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jennie
Mar 10, 2019 @ 15:48:34
❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Baffledmum
Mar 08, 2019 @ 16:38:52
I used to be a special needs key worker in a primary school and found that not only was I leaving to look after other’s children but also I was bringing home so much work in order to continue looking after others children the following day… in the end, my eldest son told me he was missing having me around! So I quit… I had to put my kids first… I praise anyone who is able to get a good balance of both worlds… ♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ritu
Mar 08, 2019 @ 18:45:28
It is definitely not easy to get that balance but I am trying my hardest! The worst time is when my own kids are ill though..
LikeLiked by 1 person
Baffledmum
Mar 08, 2019 @ 19:11:26
I can imagine… I’m glad it’s working out for you… You have 2 great jobs – mother & teacher… 👍❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ritu
Mar 08, 2019 @ 19:13:47
They really Re the best!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Michael Ogazie
Mar 08, 2019 @ 14:58:43
Reblogged this on Micworldwide.
LikeLiked by 1 person
RAJA TAKSI TRAVEL GROUP tlp 0813 4500 6566
Mar 07, 2019 @ 01:04:33
👍
LikeLiked by 2 people
joey
Mar 07, 2019 @ 00:38:27
My kids are much older and can basically sleep all day without concern, and yet, I still hate to leave them. Sometimes, as you said, only mom will do, and I haven’t had one of those in a long while.
As I type this, Moo has gone to bed early with a fever, purple rings around her eyes, and a headache. I had just told The Mister we may have to keep her home tomorrow.
I hope our girls feel better soon
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ritu
Mar 07, 2019 @ 06:57:00
It’s awful when they aren’t well. And I know my mum still wants to look after me… And I’m 43!
Hope your daughter feels better. I think minecis on the up now finally!
LikeLiked by 1 person
joey
Mar 07, 2019 @ 23:49:12
Oh good! Dr said Moo has a bug and she just needs rest and fluids 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ritu
Mar 08, 2019 @ 07:01:31
Bless her. Hope she’s better soon xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
joey
Mar 09, 2019 @ 03:12:17
She’s definitely on the mend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Erika Kind
Mar 06, 2019 @ 20:06:37
It is always difficult when time you are working and you need time for your private life (your kids). I understand that feeling of feeling guilty. But even more paradox it may feel while caring for other people’s children. It was always hard when I had to go somewhere while my children were ill even when they were with their father. I was completely restless.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ritu
Mar 06, 2019 @ 20:41:32
It’s a really tough situation 😭
LikeLiked by 2 people
Erika Kind
Mar 06, 2019 @ 21:29:20
Our mother hears, right?
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ritu
Mar 06, 2019 @ 22:08:14
Indeed…
LikeLiked by 2 people
Erika Kind
Mar 07, 2019 @ 19:22:58
💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
Erika Kind
Mar 07, 2019 @ 19:23:25
Oh, just saw the typo… “hearts” not “hears”… lol!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ritu
Mar 07, 2019 @ 19:30:03
Lol!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Erika Kind
Mar 07, 2019 @ 19:32:52
😅
LikeLiked by 1 person
Robert Matthew Goldstein
Mar 06, 2019 @ 19:59:52
I wonder if a good teacher taps into a strong maternal/paternal instinct to form a bond with the children. Teaching is a job with a professional role to fill. I wonder if the bond with the children makes it difficult to drop the ‘role’ of teacher when you feel your children need you. Would you have behaved differently as a lawyer or store manager?
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ritu
Mar 06, 2019 @ 20:02:32
Each year I feel like I don’t just have my own two children, but many more. They are all my responsibility in some way… 😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
Robert Matthew Goldstein
Mar 06, 2019 @ 21:28:17
Yep. It’s more than a job, it’s an emotional bond and a responsibility. My best teachers improved the quality of my life as an adult.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ritu
Mar 06, 2019 @ 22:08:39
I only hope that is some small way, that is how I affect my pupils! ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
Robert Matthew Goldstein
Mar 07, 2019 @ 02:12:27
I will always remember the teachers who did their best.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ritu
Mar 07, 2019 @ 06:59:24
,🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
willowdot21
Mar 06, 2019 @ 17:55:52
Your a great mum and a great teacher. Remember you are only human 😀
LikeLiked by 3 people
Ritu
Mar 06, 2019 @ 18:33:43
Thank you sis 💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
willowdot21
Mar 06, 2019 @ 19:16:51
Pleasure Sis💜
LikeLiked by 2 people
OIKOS™-Publishing
Mar 06, 2019 @ 16:05:27
You have a wonderful support system, and you are – we can re-read it in “Poetic Rituals” every day – a wonderful mom, too. Dont worry, you are not SuperWoman. Michael
LikeLiked by 3 people
Ritu
Mar 06, 2019 @ 18:32:42
Thank you Bro!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
OIKOS™-Publishing
Mar 06, 2019 @ 20:48:22
You too Sis! Its your work to manage it all, and you do it in a fascinating way. Michael
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ritu
Mar 06, 2019 @ 20:50:55
I try!!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
OIKOS™-Publishing
Mar 06, 2019 @ 20:53:40
:-))
LikeLiked by 2 people
syl65
Mar 06, 2019 @ 15:55:10
Remember, we hardest on ourselves and the decisions we make Sister. You have a good support system in these type of situations and surely you weren’t fobbing her off. ❤️
LikeLiked by 3 people
Ritu
Mar 06, 2019 @ 18:32:14
As long as she never feels that Brother ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
syl65
Mar 06, 2019 @ 18:56:47
I feel you Sister ❤️
LikeLiked by 2 people
John Holton
Mar 06, 2019 @ 15:17:47
Mom was a teacher and a single mom.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ritu
Mar 06, 2019 @ 18:31:34
A really tough situation… I know I’m very fortunate to have a support network around me…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dan Antion
Mar 06, 2019 @ 12:33:33
You wouldn’t be a very effective teacher if you were worried all day about your child. The best teachers are ones who care about children – including their own.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ritu
Mar 06, 2019 @ 18:30:28
This is true… As long as I know my own are in good hands…
LikeLiked by 2 people
Shelley
Mar 06, 2019 @ 11:33:56
The dilemma’s presented to us during motherhood while working and balancing and all that other stuff sure teach us about our desires and our priorities in life. If you find the magic solution, you might want to bottle it and sell it?! Sending well wishes for a speedy recovery and that the rest of the family stays clear of the cold!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ritu
Mar 06, 2019 @ 18:29:42
Thank you Shelley. Much appreciated!
LikeLiked by 2 people
pranabaxom
Mar 06, 2019 @ 06:19:05
Long explanation for a one liner😂
Hang on, these phases will pass. Being a parent is a lifelong commitment though.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ritu
Mar 06, 2019 @ 06:52:11
Oh it is indeed and I fully believe that it takes a village to raise a child… In our communities it dies, anyway!
Hope she wakes up better today…
LikeLiked by 1 person
pranabaxom
Mar 06, 2019 @ 14:48:56
“it dies anyway” – what community is that😂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ritu
Mar 06, 2019 @ 18:30:54
😂 Oops!
LikeLiked by 1 person
pranabaxom
Mar 06, 2019 @ 18:35:02
It’s fun to pull my sister’ legs 😂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ritu
Mar 06, 2019 @ 18:40:23
😂 That’s all good!
LikeLiked by 1 person
pranabaxom
Mar 06, 2019 @ 18:57:20
😂😂
LikeLiked by 2 people