Child Care Leave: How I Feel About Having A Baby And Being A Teacher
Guess what?!
I'M HAVING A BABY! 💙
This is my first child and like all things new in my life, I wanted control over it. Well, that's not how life happens. My husband and I planned (LOL) on getting pregnant in August so I could start maternity leave in April. In a perfect world, I would get my 12 weeks, then go right on Summer Break! It would have been super convenient!
There is no "right time" to have a baby - I know that. However, being a teacher, I wanted to make the transition for my students the easiest I could. I never planned on going on maternity leave ONE MONTH after school started. My poor Kindergarteners; just starting to adjust to a new school, new teacher, new friends, then BOOM! A change in routine; a change in teacher. I am ecstatic about having a baby (I've never had one before 😉) but I feel guilty for leaving my new class a month into school. I know, I know.... I shouldn't. But all I can think about is sub plans, collecting data, starting Benchmark and Eureka, building a relationship with each kid so they don't forget me, finishing KRA, getting MAPP and MAPRF done, and everything in between! Thank the universe I have the most AMAZING long term sub!! She has been a long term sub for three K classes prior to mine, has worked in our school building for years as a sub, and has unexpectedly but thankfully been in my room getting to know my kids since this school year started (a story for another day!).
So as I plan (there's that word again) to go on maternity leave at the end of September 😳 , I can only prepare so much. Above all, do what is best for the students. As long as the kids are learning, growing, and happy, I did my job.
I guess what this post is about, is the fact that you cannot control everything in life. You need to create balance. Between your professional and personal life, one can't trump the other. Being a teacher has taught me how to organize and plan WEEKS ahead of time, but also how to roll with the punches and be flexible. I hope that my teaching experiences can also contribute to my upcoming role as a mom.
If you find yourself in my position, take a deep breath in... and s l o w l y let it out. Also, visit this page for more information - MCPS Child Leave FAQs. YAY for babies!!
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Congratulations, that's amazing! I am sure this must be such an exciting time for you. I know your long-term sub will be amazing. I was a long-term sub as well (my first teaching job!) for a 5th grade teacher write at the beginning of the year. It was an interesting experience doing parent conferences for students I had only known for two weeks at the time, but the kids were so, so resilient. Kids are learners and no matter the circumstance they will grow and thrive. And when you come back, they will be ecstatic!!! Wishing you the best on your journey.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I'm glad to hear a positive experience on the flipside of things. Hopefully, this will help them become more flexible learners as well!
DeleteCongrats! My wife and I were in the same position three years ago. We moved from Las Vegas and my wife was 7 months pregnant at the time. We both got hired at MCPS, moved all of our teacher supplies across the country, and then our son was born in October. We were definitely in a panic, band new school district, brand new class, and we were going to be leaving them right after the school year began. I would say it was one of the most stressful times that I have ever experienced. All I could think about was whatever happens is going to happen and I have no control over it. I did my lesson plans and when the time came and our son was born I couldn't worry about what was happening at school, I had to focus on my family and what was happening at home. In just a few short weeks, I get to do it all again! This time we are having a baby girl! Enjoy the time with your son, it is so awesome to watch them grow! :)
ReplyDeleteOh my! You mentioned quite a few relatable things in this post. I, too, was super nervous about going out on maternity leave. I had my first child in September 2019. Though I was nervous about all things related to being a new mother, I was finding myself mostly nervous about leaving my students and department "high and dry". Before having a child, everything was urgent and I was working around the clock (and into my weekends) regularly. After having my baby boy, my priorities and mindset shifted greatly. Enjoy this time, now and beyond. Congratulations Mamabear!!
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