We all had a bad day...

[Cel77]

I'm a supply teacher. I had a shocking afternoon with Y5 children behaving in a horrible way to each other. 3 (2 boys and 1 girl) insulted each other's mums, and it came to blows with the 2 boys. The head teacher had to get involved to sort this out. I came out of the school disgusted with the behaviour I witnessed ( there were also a lot of squabbling, being low level mean with each other and not following simple instructions). I see really bad behaviour, much more often than when I qualified 20 years ago. I'm finding it hard to be hopeful things will improve in my profession.

My two children ( primary age) are in a mood and I have not yet managed to find out why.

I put dinner on as soon as I arrived home, and had my two children having meltdowns.

My husband wfh and picked them up. They've been on their screens since he picked them up to when I arrived. That's 2 h solid. He can't do anything to entertain them as he finishes at 5.30 and is massively behind with calls,appointments,reports etc...

He's in a right mood too and has already complained about having to empty the dryer.

I've got the feeling the children will turn up their noses at my chicken casserole.

AIBU to think we should just stop what we're doing (stressful jobs,school) and start a new life.

Any ideas?

YOLO OP go for it. What have you got in mind? Escape to the country? Running a farm? Your own business? Do tell.

Have a hug. If they don’t like the casserole tell them they have 30 minutes to get another meal on the table or go hungry.
Introduce reading time, playing out time whatever at home time gadgets for half an hour after dinner.
Prep a lesson for tomorrow about treating others how you’d like to be treated.

Good job you’re willing to do dinner after a stressful day at work eh? I’d be tempted to fuck off to bed with a good book and leave them all to it. Look after yourself - it’s not always about them.

I find a bath is always good for days like that. Loads of bubbles for the kids, one at a time so no sharing. Then after they’re in bed you have one too. It’s like a reset.

a country park walk, and a chippy tea on the way home? The nights are getting lighter why not? You all need a cheering up, sounds good to me

A drop stitch in life’s rich tapestry. A nice bath, maybe a glass of wine. Tomorrow will be a better day I’m sure.

I found primary teaching really hard when my DC were primary age - it was like going home to more of the same. Now they're teens it's much easier. Often one of them will have started tea and they'll listen to me vent if necessary too! DH wfh too but does his share which also helps - he'll prep food, put a wash on etc at lunchtime. Not everyday but enough to be equal. He does work for himself though so can be a bit flexible with his time. A different way of life would be lovely though. I follow the social media of a family who live in a narrowboat and homeschool. Looks amazing.

I'd love to but finances are a big hurdle. I can't just drop everything.

Plus I've got a risk adverse husband...

Maybe I need a new husband?!

That sounds nice actually... The kids were knackered though. Maybe tomorrow...

🤣 I would definitely tell him how you are feeling at the moment Cel. The fact that you have posted about it suggests that you have been thinking about a change for a while and it's more than just a bad day. Sometimes we think we know what they will say and they can actually surprise you. I'm training for a career change and assumed my DH would not be on board as it means low income for even longer. I've already been working part time for years while kids young. He surprised me and is actually really supportive. I wish you all the best anyway whatever you decide.

Thank you.

After being part time I went full time when my children were year 3 and year 5. It’s a year on and we’ve got into more of a rhythm but I’ve got a similar set up to you.
things I do to help

agree a time they need to turn their tablets off, lots of praise/rewards for keeping to this

slow cooker/make meals to heat up so you can sit down as a family quickly once in

make evenings nice where possible, sometimes we go on a walk or to the park, watch tv together or if im tired, I get them to lie in bed with me whilst we chat. If im really tired we lie in bed together and they go on their tablet (try not to do this often)

have some nights as nights I leave school earlier so we have more time together

I'm impressed. There's no way I can ever work as a teacher full-time ever again! The behaviour in more and more primary schools is getting awful. Let's not start on the admin/marking/planning etc... Full of respect (and wonder!) for teachers working full-time!

I just want to change careers. Lots of dreams but no means to achieve them.

You should aim to leave school by 4pm if you’re on supply.

The only positive note I can contribute is at least it’s Friday tomorrow.

Definitely. One of the rules I live by with my kids is when they're playing up, apply water. Bored? Swimming. Hot? Nice cool wet compress. Irritable? In the bath. Thirsty? Nice cold drink. Restless? Jump in puddles. You'd be surprised how many problems it can solve.