I have a 3-year old. And while he’s generally a sweet one, there’s not a day that goes by that he isn’t challenging. It’s his job. And he’s got a gift.
But working in his preschool class today, I realized there are others out there that put his three-ness to shame. Big time. I spent the whole day thinking, I do this 4 hours a month. How do the teachers do it 4 hours a day?!
Apparently they have a gift too. One that passed me by. Sure, I love those snotty adorable little faces, but here are just a few of the reasons I’m not a preschool teacher (and have huge respect for those who are).
#1- The question of we. “Is that how we treat our friends?” “Are we using our listening ears?” “Do we hit our friends over the head with a metal dump truck?” No. It’s that simple in my world. No. I guess “we” need to work on using our words.
#2- Potty training. So far I haven’t done so hot with the two I’ve been responsible for. I certainly shouldn’t be given 20 little bottoms to tame.
#3- Sniff. Sniff. (Nope, not to runny noses. Yet.) Oh, I guess I should have mentioned this before the potty training one. You know, the ones who aren’t potty trained. Well, they walk around with a special scent. And my sense of smell is like a pregnant woman on steroids. (I’m not sure steroids improve your sense of smell, but work with me here.)
#4- Green fingers. (Still not talking about runny noses. Yet.) I’m guessing the color is different day by day. But today we were painting pinecone trees. Let’s just say, if I’m going to have my hands dipped in something, it had better be paraffin wax.
#5- The three S’s. Snot, spit and slurring, of course. All of them leave sleeves, hands and faces uncomfortably wet. And I don’t just mean the offender’s.
#6- This ref is biased. I’ll admit, I play favorites. When something goes down and I’m called in, I know who was likely to have started it and that’s where I go to end it. (And, of course, it’s not my kid.)
#7- Free play. Giving 13 three-year olds reign over baskets full of toys (which, surprisingly include two anatomically correct baby dolls of differing genders) is pure insanity. No matter how many toys there are, everyone wants something someone else beat them to—and with, thanks to the grabby chaos that followed. It leads to meltdowns, screaming, tears—yep, I’m worse than the kids.
#8- Patience.
#9- Patience.
#10- Patience.
So, preschool teachers far and wide, I salute you. I find myself in awe of all that you do to help these precious little monsters kids stay alive smile, learn and make friends. Please keep it up so parents like me can continue to have an itty bitty break from the madness—a few hours, a couple times a week. And we’ll keep doing our best to send you well-behaved, well-mannered, thoughtful kids. Because parents, we’re all raising good little girls and boys, aren’t we?
I agree…I could NEVER be a preschool teacher! I am wiped out on the one day a month I work in my little ones class. So lucky to have wonderful teachers who every day still open the door with a smile and a big “come on in” (I would be saying “go away” :>).
We are lucky! Though you’re one of the few people I know who would be a wonderful preschool teacher.
I hear you – all hail the preschool teacher!!! There was one at my child’s daycare – she was always winning “best teacher” awards because that lady would potty train your kid AND transform them from a wile early 2s animal into a well-behaved older 2 (i.e, sitting down to eat WITH utensils and a napkin!)
My other observation… I could totally handle my own kid’s various bodily liquids… and I thought I could handle other kid’s “expulsions”… but I so cannot!
Again – all hail the preschool teacher!!!
Is there any way I can borrow that daycare teacher? My kids could use a few days with her!