My mom was a teacher. She made it all look easy. She cooked our meals and packed our lunches. She cleaned and did all the laundry. She planned every birthday, every holiday, every vacation. She drove us to every practice and every event. She was the only ESL teacher in an eight-building district. She did all the teaching things...in eight buildings!
Now that I am a teacher and mother, I wonder if she ever slept. I also wonder, was she happy? When I think back now...I am not sure she was. When I was trying to emulate her, I was not. I know that is not what I want for myself, or my husband, or my children. It has taken many years and many conversations with my family about how we can all help balance our responsibilities with our “enjoyments.”
Is everyday wonderful? No. And we all need a place to “walk off the ledge.” I hope we can be that for each other. For now, please enjoy reading this article from We Are Teachers.
