In my mind, a good teacher is up there as a one of the most important things you can have for your children!  In our school life so far, we have been very blessed with good teachers.  This sweet teacher in the picture has been important in both of my children’s lives thus far.  They have both had the honor of being in her classroom, feeling of her love and learning from her!!

I’m sure there are many stories you as parents have of good and maybe not so good teachers.  Do teachers realize the great responsibility they have to our children?  Do they realize they are teaching incredible lessons to our children?  Do they know they are at the foundation of these children’s lives and education?  So far in our life, my children’s teachers know this and embrace this!!  I know that sending them off each day they are in good hands.  I know they are receiving a solid education, I know they are protected and I know they are loved!!  At the same time, these sweet teacher’s are also teaching them accountability and discipline for their actions!!  This knowledge for me is such a breath of fresh air!!

All you teachers out there….Thank You!!  We know your job is not an easy job!  We know you are often exhausted, frustrated and spent!!  We know you love our children and want the best for them!!  Thank you for being such a wonderful part of our children’s educational foundation!!

What are some experiences you have had with great teachers?

I have always been a fan of Steven Covey and his awesome books and organizational supplies.  So you can imagine how thrilled I was to find out that my tween’s elementary school has adopted these 7 Habits into their classrooms and their curriculum.  When my tween made a comment to me about how he was being “proactive”, I was thrilled beyond words.

Here are the 7 Habits his school has adopted to help them in their educational and social journey this year:

Habit 1: Be Proactive • You’re in Charge

Habit 2: Begin With the End in Mind • Have a Plan

Habit 3: Put First Things First • Work First, Then Play

Habit 4: Think Win-Win • Everyone Can Win

Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood • Listen Before You Talk

Habit 6: Synergize • Together Is Better

Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw • Balance Feels Best

While I attended his Open House, I learned even more about this great program.  They presented it to the parents and talked to us about how they use it in the classrooms.  I thought this was wonderful, so I can also be using these habits in our home.  They have been given beautiful planners that also go along with the 7 habits.

What a great way to start a child’s life and instill leadership and social skills INTO their curriculum.  This program get TWO thumbs up from this Mama!!

The Franklin Covey website also gives great tools for families and homes to not just make our children mediocre but GREAT!!!

What are some of the things you have seen in your child’s school that really impress you?

I recently went to my tween’s open house at school.  I was really looking forward to having some time to talk to his teacher.  The open house was a great experience and I left feeling very happy and proud of my children.  Both teachers raved about their behavior, their work ethic and their positive attitudes.

My tween’s teacher told me how obedient he is, how he works really hard at his school work and how he is a leader in the classroom.  She also told me that he is a “people pleaser’.  This was no surprise to me.  Lincoln has always had this type of  personality.  I will also admit that I am a bit of a “people pleaser”, so he comes by it honestly.

This created a bit of interest and worry inside of me.  We have always taught Lincoln to stand up for what he believes, to work hard and to be loving to all he meets.   We are not hard on him, we expect him to always to his best, but we don’t expect perfection from him.

As I did some research on google, I only found negative articles on “people pleasers”.  I also found some information on the “oldest child syndrome” since Lincoln is my oldest child.  Here are a few characteristics of  the typical oldest child:

Some of these characteristics are good and some are not.  They are most definitely interesting.

Moral of the story….it is great to be aware of these things.  Yes, Lincoln is a “people pleaser”.  Is this really so bad?   He is good and kind and a natural leader.  As a parent, it is my responsibility to always remind him to stand up for himself, for what he believes is right and to NEVER let others influence his beliefs or his actions.

What are your thoughts on this “oldest child syndrome” and the term “people pleaser” when it comes to our tweens?

Sam and the wonderful Pre-K teacher both boys had!

When I was a classroom teacher, I knew how important I was. I knew that parents trusted me with their most precious possessions. I knew that for some kids….I was the only adult in their life who cared. I was aware of this each and everyday those buses pulled up and dropped off my students. Now that I am a mom with kids in school, I am seeing things from a whole new perspective.

Have your kids had some wonderful teachers? What made them special? How did you say thank you?