For those of us who had the unique experience of being raised by educators, it often felt like we were always in class. We were instilled with discipline, taught to maintain proper posture at the dinner table, and advised to avoid crossing our parents, who were also our teachers. Our assignments were meticulously crafted, thanks to the insider knowledge our parents possessed. My father would often stay up late perfecting my history project with creative elements that even the child of a marketing professional wouldn’t think to include. While some may label this as overprotective parenting, I see it as simply having a teacher as a parent.
Here are 20 truths you’ll likely relate to if you were raised by a teacher:
- Mediocrity is Not an Option: When tasked with “Write a journal entry from the 1800s,” I didn’t just write it; I produced it on paper that looked aged and authentic. Isn’t that what everyone does with their homework? (Pro tip: Soak paper in a tea bag, bake it, and singe the edges for that perfect vintage feel.)
- Winning Unexpected Contests: My mother seemed to know which assignments could be entered into competitions before I did. I often found myself winning essay contests and art competitions I hadn’t even prepared for.
- Lunch is at 10:45 A.M.: Even on weekends, my lunchtime was set in stone.
- Basic Lessons are for Toddlers: By age 2, I was expected to master my letters, numbers, and colors, pushing me straight into kindergarten material before even starting preschool.
- You Recognize “The Look”: Teachers have a distinctive way of conveying disappointment without raising their voices—my mother mastered this at home too.
- Know What “The Teacher Voice” Means: You definitely understand the authority that comes with it.
- Classroom Misbehavior is Off the Table: When your parent is on a first-name basis with all your teachers, you know better than to misbehave. You can’t hide a note passed during class; your parent will hear all about it before you even get home.
- Classroom Setup Skills: Adding skills like “classroom organization” to your resume was almost mandatory. I spent many August days helping my mom set up her classroom, from arranging desks to decorating bulletin boards.
- Skipping School is Not an Option: This would be a major source of embarrassment for both of us.
- Teacher Gossip is Riveting: Conversations at the dinner table often revolved around the latest teacher drama, rivaling any reality show.
- Lunch Prep is Non-Negotiable: Packing lunch the night before was always a must.
- A Garage Full of School Supplies: Our garage could rival any supply store, filled with everything from crayons to textbooks.
- Grading is Paramount: The importance of grading cannot be overstated.
- The School Day Continues: Just because students leave doesn’t mean the work is done for the day.
- Avoid Comments on Teacher Summers: It’s best to steer clear of this topic unless you want to witness a passionate rant.
- Homework is Non-Negotiable: You can never get away with not doing your homework, as your parent is still doing theirs.
- Parent-Teacher Conferences are a Given: Your parent doesn’t even need to attend; they already know what’s happening.
- Playing School is Off-Limits: While you could play doctor or house, pretending to be a teacher was a bad idea.
- Your Parent is Exhausted by Day’s End: Despite their love for you, they’ve had their fill of kids for the day.
- Avoid Saying “Teacher” for Your Future Career: My mom always emphasized that if we were going to face stress and undervaluation, it should at least be in a job that pays well.
Reflecting on my extensive 22-year educational journey, I can say that the thought of teaching never appealed to me. The idea of managing a classroom all day sounds overwhelming! However, I enjoyed the camaraderie in the cafeteria, the late nights spent writing essays, and the small acts of rebellion like passing notes in class. School felt like a second home to me, and I hope my son finds the same comfort in his educational experiences. If he needs a little extra motivation, I’ve got my mom on standby to step in as a substitute teacher; her expertise is invaluable.
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In conclusion, being raised by a teacher shapes many aspects of your life, from your approach to assignments to your understanding of authority. It instills a sense of discipline and creativity, while also preparing you for real-world expectations.
Keyphrase: Growing Up with a Teacher Parent
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