I Don't Want to be a "Teacher-Mom"

We were sitting at the pediatrician’s office due to G’s unexplained fever (which turned out to be connected to a virus) and we were conversing with the pediatrician. She was not our regular pediatrician but she was very personable, very professional and we liked her very much. As we continued our conversation and she interacted with G, she commented on her level of vocabulary. She indicated that it was pretty extensive for a child her age. Her love of books was also noticeable as she continually flipped through the pages of the books in the room. The pediatrician asked what I did as a profession and I told her that I was a teacher…”Ah, that explains a lot.” The comment didn’t mean much to me at the time but on my way home it got me thinking…I don’t want to be a “teacher-mom”.

I am intentional about leaving work at work and I’d like to think that I’d invest as much time and energy as I do into my daughter despite my profession. I have personally always had a love for learning, books and the outdoors. These passions have carried on through adulthood and I am fairly certain that no matter what the Lord calls me to do with my life, I would share these interests with my children. I don’t want our children to have the label “teacher’s kid” and be faced with expectations that might not otherwise be placed on them. I see it all the time. It is just assumed that the children of teachers will be at least on target academically and come prepared knowing everything they need to know. These expectations are placed despite the fact that there may be various factors involved that contribute to why these expectations may not be met.

I want to enjoy watching my daughter learn about the world around her, not drill her on her colors and ABC’s. Because of this, I choose to help her learn the way I feel any child should at this age.

We play. We incorporate the learning of colors and numbers by exploring the world around us. She not only develops her motor skills this way, but there is a lot that can be developed in the way of intellect as well…not to mention that I want to keep her as imaginative as possible.

We read. Reading is something that she and I both enjoy at this point. She can be found quietly sitting in random places around the house “reading” her books. It makes my heart sing.

We spend time together as Mommy and Daughter and as a whole family. I want to her to know that she is important to us and we make a point to spend special time with her. I love taking her to a new place just to watch her explore and fall in love with something new.

I hone in on her interests. When she takes a real interest in something, I want to encourage her in that area. For instance, she is currently all about the idea of coloring. I’ve invested in a couple types of crayons, some paint and markers. She loves to see the color come upon the page. It’s little things like this that can develop things she’ll love to do when she’s older.

Encourage independence. This is probably one of my most loved and hated areas of parenthood. I feel it is so important to raise a child that will become an independent, contributing person of society. She naturally has an independent spirit and does well to do for herself most of the time. As her mom, it’s sometimes hard to let her do things on her own because I love that she needs me. I remember the first time she rejected my hand and said, “No hand, I got it.” Ouch. I wanted to cry. When did she get so big?! This independence will serve her well though and I look forward to seeing how she continues to grow and develop.

I want to commend every parent that invests in his or her child. As an educator, I frequently see the exact opposite. Character, morals, and interests are cast to the side for whatever reason and the results are heartbreaking. Raising a child is more than preparing them for Kindergarten or achieving various milestones. Raising a child is an intentional act of love that encompasses every aspect of their precious little lives. So thank you for loving your child enough to teach them the best way you can. In doing so, we are all not just a mom or dad; we are a teacher…which is very different than being a “Teacher-Mom”.

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