"That" Mom - 10 Problems Only Teacher Moms will Understand

 

Lately, my newsfeeds have been full of several different versions of a "that mom" article. The titles boast "which mom are you at the pool?" or "what do the other moms at the park really think?" Curiosity always gets the best of me as I take the bait and read the descriptions. They usually provide a few chuckles and an amen or two. My only problem with these articles is I never find a single mom I can completely relate to. Of course there are always a few things I can see in each one, however I think there needs to be a new category. . . Teacher mom. Any of my teacher friends I'm sure could agree. We are a unique group of ladies and bless our poor children. Lord only knows being a teacher's kid is almost as hard as being a preacher's kid.  When I go to the park, the only mom I am is the teacher mom and here's how I know. . .

Top 10 Teacher Mom Problems:

1. I automatically think it's acceptable to talk to all the kids at the park.  I never seem to scare the kids, but sometimes I get a funny smile from the helicopter mom hovering 2 feet away.

2. I'm secretly observing the children as they play; trying to diagnose any learning issues I may see. 

3. I have to literally sit on my hands to keep from pulling out the whistle, still attached to my keys from school, when I see the boy climbing on top of the play equipment.

4. I can't help but mediate. When 2 kids are fighting. . . I must get involved. I think this is part of the teacher oath - ya know like the Doctor's Oath.

5. I cringe as I overhear other moms talk about their child's experience at school. And of course I'm thinking in my head how I could fix it.

6. I feel the need to offer encouragement when I see parenting done right! I just can't turn off the positive reinforcement. . . It's built in I think. Plus, I could teach their kid someday and I want them doing parenting right when their kid fails to turn in their homework for the 3rd time in a row!

7. I know people! Sure, we all run into people we know when we are out and about, but this is totally different for a teacher. I'm suddenly very aware of the short shorts I'm wearing and wishing I had picked a top with a little less cleavage for today.

8. I just can't turn off my need to discipline. Since disciplining other people’s children tends to be frowned upon, I resort to using the teacher look - it does the job most of the time.

9. I feel like a kid magnet. It's like when all the animals came to Noah. I can't just play with my own little one because I'm busy entertaining, doctoring, supervising, and disciplining 10 other kids.

10. I'm on duty. . . Recess duty. My eyes naturally dart around the perimeter of the playground as I closely monitor our surroundings and make sure everyone stays safe. No kid is getting taken or hurt on my watch!

Just remember, whatever mom you are, we are all just doing the best we can to be the greatest mom to our little people. Each of us needs a little grace sometimes. Scratch that. . . I need a LOT of grace! So next time you see me, the teacher mom, at the park with my wild child, please overlook my parenting skills and see in my eyes the love I have for my child. . . I want to be "that" mom.