Teacher as Free Babysitters: A Rant

Click here to show your kid’s teacher some love and appreciation.

Um actually I’m going to have to disagree with you here.

It’s important for you, as a parent, to understand what is being taught in the class. It’s also important for you to know how she grades so, if you’re kid fails, you know why they are getting the grade they are. You need to know if she has a late policy on work or makeup policy for if your kid is sick.

She’s not doing this to inconvenience you. She’s doing it so everyone is on the same page and can work together as a team for your child’s education.

The fact that you’re complaining about reading some thing that involves your child’s education in this fashion just screams lazy parenting to me. This teacher took time out of her life to research, put together, print, staple, and organize all of what your child will need for this year to succeed. And here you are, belittling, bemoaning, and bitching about having to read a few pages of text so you can be up to date on things that will benefit your child.

Now, as for the free babysitter deal. That’s the kind of term that lets me know a lot about you as a person. Teachers are so undervalued in society and yet we hand them the most precious commodity. Our children. Here in the states, teachers spend hundreds if not thousands of dollars of their own money buying supplies for the room and the kids. My friend Chris provides clothing for the kids in his class. From uniforms to winter coats, he finds people to donate items or money to be able to make the experience better for these kids. Click this link to see how you can help Chris provide supplies for his students.

And you’re over here, complaining about reading.

If you really feel like the school is just there to watch your kid during the day, then homeschool. Then, maybe, you’ll develop and appreciation for what teachers do.

Or, is this just your way of pushing the kids off on society? Are you that lazy of a parent that you feel your job is done? Just push junior through the door, “He’s your problem, now.” And off you go to watching Maury Povich. That fact that it sounds like this teacher is more invested in your kid than you are. And that should not be the case.

See, the fact that you view teachers as Free Babysitters reflects your attitude toward them. Your attitude affects how your child will treat those teachers. And the last thing they need is yet another disrespectful brat of a child whose mother thinks her precious angel can so no wrong.

The teachers are not the enemy. In fact, a post like this will turn you into “that mom.” You will be the one whose name causes sighs and eyerolls. You will be the mother that is talked about in the break room. And because of that, your kid will be looked at differently. They will be looked at like, “Well, look at his mother.” And some teachers may stop trying. Others will try harder. And maybe those that try harder will change your view of free babysitters.

Signed,

Former teacher and friend to many in the industry.