There are all sorts of things that go along with being a momma. I think I could list them, but it would go on forever. All the way to eternity, actually. And I know that no matter what you do — stay home or work out of the house — one is not easier or better than the other. It’s all about personal preference. I have utmost respect for mothers–no matter what. We should all be in support of one another in this crazy little thing called motherhood. However, I want to share my personal story. My choice to work outside the home. It’s not better than yours. It’s just my story. Maybe you’re a teacher? Maybe you can relate?
I became a mom 4 and a half years ago, after spending eight years in the teaching profession. I had a beautiful baby boy. When I went back to work, I was lucky enough to have teacher friends who were going through the exact same things as me at the exact same time! We shared our hearts with one another. During our “pumping parties,” as we called it, we discussed how hard things are with late nights, interrupted sleep, and then having to teach small children… it seemed impossible.
None of us knew how we were doing it! We just did it! The more time that passes for me to reflect on that, the more thankful I am to have had that support from such dear friends. I fully realize that is not possible for everyone. So, I consider myself very lucky.
When you’re a teacher, you go to work everyday and take care of about 20 other children who aren’t your own. However, one of the things that draws teachers into the profession is that they treat each and every one of those kids like their own flesh and blood. That’s why we couldn’t just stop. Fast forward 25 months later, and I had twin girls. Seriously… what was I thinking going back to work?! People thought I was crazy.
And sometimes, even though it felt crazy, and many times I wondered if I should quit, I just couldn’t imagine leaving behind one part of myself that makes me thrive. Not that my kids don’t make me thrive. I just still love being in a profession that I truly love. And the kids I get to have in my classroom each year — they’re priceless. Admittedly, not all of the memories are dear though!
We wipe noses, tie shoes, foster a classroom environment that is safe and nurturing. We teach kids how to read and how to solve math problems. And yes, we even make cute posters and bulletin boards (I must admit this isn’t my strongest suit) and newsletters to send home to parents–thanking them for partnering with us in their child’s education.
But most importantly, we L-O-V-E other people’s kids each and every day.
We buy snacks to keep in our cabinets in case someone needs it. We dry tears when our students are having a rough moment in their day. We provide alternate choices when there is a problem in the classroom. We teach manners and forgiveness. We offer grace instead of punishment. We don’t always get it right. But I promise you this — we always try!
Teachers are people, too. We have feelings, we carry burdens home with us from the day’s events. We also plan and research and implement changes into our day’s scheduled routines in order to best meet the needs of the students in our classroom. Then we go home each night and try to do the same for our own children.
When I come home at night, I am ON. A mother’s job never quits… no matter what your profession. My husband works nights, so I am often fixing dinner, cleaning up, giving baths and doing bedtime routine without help from dad. Many nights I want to rip my hair out just because I physically cannot do it all 100 percent. Most nights it’s more like 50 percent, ha! If my kids eat half of their meal without complaining, then I consider that a win! And if I can get at least 1.5 of my kids (I don’t even know what that means) to bathe without turning the bathroom into a swimming pool OR run out of the tub naked and consequently peeing on the floor somewhere, then I have had a BIG win for the evening books. So on nights when my husband and I can share these responsibilities, I am so grateful. Gosh, it makes things so much easier when he’s around.
So, even though my house is almost always in disarray, my couch cushions need vacuuming and I’ll probably not get new furniture until my kids are out of the throwing up/pooping everywhere/spilling everything stage, I feel pretty lucky to be their momma. I cherish my times with them each day and feel like I am a little more patient since I chose to have a career outside the home.
Many people (myself included sometimes) wonder why I don’t just stay home? I mean, we pretty much give 90 percent of my paycheck to daycare right now. And my mornings are often stressed getting everyone up, fed, changed, and out the door by 7:10 a.m. I realize it won’t be like this forever, though.
Once I get to work, I am surrounded by THE best people — staff, parents and students. I get to sing songs, play, teach, and learn right along with my colleagues and students. I get to have professional conversations. I get to mentor and be mentored. I get to meet the most amazing parents and tell them how wonderful their child is. I get to share in the valuable experience of helping guide a child’s dreams and make them a reality. Yes, even in first grade! I get to speak life into them… realizing that someday my own children will have teachers, too.
So even though I sometimes don’t have the energy to be 100 percent mom and 100 percent teacher and 100 percent wife, I feel like I want to keep trying to be the best I can be for as long as the good Lord will let me.
So for all you TEACHER MOMS out there: your jobs (all of them) don’t go unnoticed. You’ve got some special ones. So, drink all of the coffee. And all of the wine. And remember to take time for yourself, too. You need that. It’s what keeps you going. Go to the store by yourself. Get connected with a meet-up group, grab brunch with one of your best friends, plan a date night to get reacquainted with your spouse.
And if at the end of the day, you’re left feeling completely depleted, yet still have a warm memory of one of your students reaching a goal…as well as a giant hug from your own baby, keep going… because you’re doing something right.
