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Introduction
Drew's first birthday is coming up. As I've said in the past, it's little bittersweet. I love seeing her grow and be indpendent. I love each milestone that she makes. I do miss my little cuddlebug that needed me for every moment of her life. I do not want to be the type of person whose sole exisistence is dependent on her children. I am teacher and see many different parents come into my room. I often wonder what I will be like when my child goes to school. I do want to be someone besides Drew's mom though.
Many times parents will come into my class and question me on my practices. As the teacher, I get defensive. After all, it is my classroom. If I want to grade something a certain way, that is my choice isn't it? If I want to show a movie as a reward, isn't that also my choice? I had a parent angry with me because I showed Free Willy. We read a story about sea animals, and I thought a fun follow up would be to show this movie. This mother tells me that I need to notify her in writing before I show any movies. You know, afterall, I am making a lot of money for what I do. I should just put up with this crap. Here's the deal...I have 27 kids in my class. We do not have walls. We have a large room (pod) with 6 classes going on at a time. We are divided by rolling bulletin boards. There is no sound proofing. I hear, as do my students, what is going on in all 5 other classrooms. I am still making what I was making three years ago when I started. This was my year for a raise, but that is still being negotiated. At this point the offer was $550.00 for the year, and I would not get a raise for two more years. Is my job really worth it? $253.00 for the whole year and then freeze me again! I'm not sure that is even the cost of living!
Anyway...off my venting box! I think about the last year and how much my wonderful baby has changed. I then think about the future and wonder how I will change. What will I be like when my daughter has a slumber party or plays on a sports team. I remember being embarrased to have my friends over. Will drew feel the same way? Will I be that parent that demands to know what movies my children are watching in their class...ahead of time? It's great to be involved, but at what point do you cross the line and how will I know that I am at the point? I guess I am complaining because I have a parent or two that is too involved, or involved in the wrong issues of school. I also have so many parents that have no idea what their child is doing each day.
We are having Drew's birthday party on the 14th. Nothing major. A brunch with cake in the early afternoon. I am trying to think how I want to do gifts, since it is also so close to Christmas. I know that I need to set the standard now...that will also go with any onther children I have no matter what time of year they are born. I can't jip Drew just because she is born at Christmas time..if that makes sense.
Well, I will cut short another rambling about not much at all. Thanks if you made it this far. I will probably not write again until after the holidays.
Have a safe and wonderful holiday. Give your children extra squeezes.
Love,
Kelli and Drew
PS: I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed Tatti's entry. If you have not read it, you should.
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