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runningfree · 09-14-2004, 10:42 PM

Some of you may know, but I'll explain. I currently am a teacher of 1st grade and this is my 2nd career. I had always wanted to be a teacher but when colleges were viewed all perspective teachers were encouraged to go elsewhere so I did.
I went to college and then finished my bachelors in Business Management while working for a big computer payroll processing company. I worked there for close to 17 years. I commuted 85+ miles roundtrip and then my husband and I decided to simplify our lives!!!!! and spend more time with our children. I took the dive into school and got a Masters in Elementary Ed. I was at the right place at the right time because prior to graduating and immediately after I became certified I filled a late position 2 miles from my house. I am now in my 6th year and with all the clinical depression stuff going on etc. etc. I have been apprehensive about taking on the stresses of the new school year. I love what I do, but it is very stressful ( getting all the preparation done while I am trying to take care of my own kids) and time consuming.
MY BIGGEST FEAR WHEN GOING INTO THIS PROFESSION WAS THE PARENTS... I had heard stories about parents being righteous and challenging the teacher and I knew that I would not be able to handle it at all. It would be my breaking point.
Well, today it happened right under my nose. I had a parent come in rather unexpectedly and to make a long agonizing conversation short, she left after she called me abrasive, uncaring for the children, not treating her child appropriately (I didn't treat her like a baby when she was attached at her mother's hip) She was fine as soon as her mother left. She said that I was insensitive and I only think about discipline and I am hurting her child because she cries everynight.
I have been crying for hours because this kind of abuse from a parent is what will break the camels back!!!!! It is my fear and knowing that I have been lucky for 6 years because my teammate has had some real good ones. She is so experienced at dealing with them so elouquently. I am not that quick on my feet and I could hear and feel my lip quivering. I did become defensive which I knowI should not have done that. I can't take this woman and her slander towards me all year long.
This is the same woman that e-mailed me on the first day of school to tell me that her daughter had a "wonderful" first day of school.
Wow...

I actually thought things were starting to look brighter and I sort of felt good about the beginning of the year. What scares me is this appears to be a sign from the HP that I should not be doing what I am doing and that I should back out. I struggled with starting this school year. {I love what I do and it is getting more and more enjoyable as time goes on} I struggled because the anxiety, stress and my desire to take care of 20 babies in a way that would benefit them.

This will send me off the tracks. I don't believe it to be true, but the act of going through this and dealing with parents seems to be too overwhelming for me.
Thanks for listening!

09-14-2004, 10:42 PM	#1 (permalink)
runningfree Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Pooh Corner, USA Posts: 116	I just got punched or it feels like it.. Some of you may know, but I'll explain. I currently am a teacher of 1st grade and this is my 2nd career. I had always wanted to be a teacher but when colleges were viewed all perspective teachers were encouraged to go elsewhere so I did. I went to college and then finished my bachelors in Business Management while working for a big computer payroll processing company. I worked there for close to 17 years. I commuted 85+ miles roundtrip and then my husband and I decided to simplify our lives!!!!! and spend more time with our children. I took the dive into school and got a Masters in Elementary Ed. I was at the right place at the right time because prior to graduating and immediately after I became certified I filled a late position 2 miles from my house. I am now in my 6th year and with all the clinical depression stuff going on etc. etc. I have been apprehensive about taking on the stresses of the new school year. I love what I do, but it is very stressful ( getting all the preparation done while I am trying to take care of my own kids) and time consuming. MY BIGGEST FEAR WHEN GOING INTO THIS PROFESSION WAS THE PARENTS... I had heard stories about parents being righteous and challenging the teacher and I knew that I would not be able to handle it at all. It would be my breaking point. Well, today it happened right under my nose. I had a parent come in rather unexpectedly and to make a long agonizing conversation short, she left after she called me abrasive, uncaring for the children, not treating her child appropriately (I didn't treat her like a baby when she was attached at her mother's hip) She was fine as soon as her mother left. She said that I was insensitive and I only think about discipline and I am hurting her child because she cries everynight. I have been crying for hours because this kind of abuse from a parent is what will break the camels back!!!!! It is my fear and knowing that I have been lucky for 6 years because my teammate has had some real good ones. She is so experienced at dealing with them so elouquently. I am not that quick on my feet and I could hear and feel my lip quivering. I did become defensive which I knowI should not have done that. I can't take this woman and her slander towards me all year long. This is the same woman that e-mailed me on the first day of school to tell me that her daughter had a "wonderful" first day of school. Wow... I actually thought things were starting to look brighter and I sort of felt good about the beginning of the year. What scares me is this appears to be a sign from the HP that I should not be doing what I am doing and that I should back out. I struggled with starting this school year. {I love what I do and it is getting more and more enjoyable as time goes on} I struggled because the anxiety, stress and my desire to take care of 20 babies in a way that would benefit them. This will send me off the tracks. I don't believe it to be true, but the act of going through this and dealing with parents seems to be too overwhelming for me. Thanks for listening!