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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Do teachers feel nervous about these things too?

137 replies

Caponbackwardslikeaknob · 24/06/2026 11:49

We are going into Dd’s class this afternoon to take a cake for her birthday to share. For some reason I feel nervous, is this normal? I feel like most people wouldn’t bother about things like this and would just enjoy the moment.
I feel worried about not having enough of everything, cutting the cake properly…

Do teachers feel as nervous about parents coming into the classroom? And would you be nervous?

OP posts:
Honeyhonay · 24/06/2026 11:50

I don’t imagine teachers would feel particularly nervous about a parent coming in.

SleepingStandingUp · 24/06/2026 11:54

Well ours would have had the cake off you and done it, not have parents come in. It's usually individual treats so also solves the portion issues.

Caponbackwardslikeaknob · 24/06/2026 11:55

SleepingStandingUp · 24/06/2026 11:54

Well ours would have had the cake off you and done it, not have parents come in. It's usually individual treats so also solves the portion issues.

I think it’s so we share the moment with her, other parents have done it before

OP posts:
rainbowstardrops · 24/06/2026 11:57

This wasn’t a thing in the school that I worked in. The children might bring a bag of sweets or something in and then the teacher would let them hand them out as they left at the end of the day. The whole cake cutting thing sounds like a bit of a performance!

mindutopia · 24/06/2026 11:58

I imagine teachers feel a bit annoyed it’s taking up their time. 😂 I’m pretty sure they don’t feel at all nervous about seeing a parent, unless you’re one of the scary parents who is always complaining about everything. Then they may wish they could hide.

LauritaEvita · 24/06/2026 11:59

The teacher won’t, no. They’ll be too busy teaching a class full of kids to give it any thought. Are you in work today? Or is there anything you can do to busy yourself so you’re not thinking about it?

chirrupybird · 24/06/2026 12:00

What sort of knife are you taking? I thought knives in school were a big no no.

saveforthat · 24/06/2026 12:01

Is this actually allowed?

Shinyandnew1 · 24/06/2026 12:01

Our head would say no to this as it is taking away teaching time and should be done at home/parties instead. I don’t think anyone would be nervous though-what of?!

Myfridgeiscool · 24/06/2026 12:02

I doubt the teacher is nervous, rolling their eyes instead. Taking a cake into school is bizarre, packet of haribo each or a few sweets is more usual.
Are you going to ask everyone to sing happy birthday???

Caponbackwardslikeaknob · 24/06/2026 12:02

chirrupybird · 24/06/2026 12:00

What sort of knife are you taking? I thought knives in school were a big no no.

ive just packed a normal one from the drawer, not super sharp, maybe they’ll provide from the kitchen, I’m taking in case

OP posts:
Sartre · 24/06/2026 12:02

Everyone else just gives their kid some sweets to hand out but ok…

SequoiaTree · 24/06/2026 12:02

I used to have a party separate from school for my dc and hand out cake then.

concertinacornflake · 24/06/2026 12:02

I think that's annoying, do all parents do that? I wouldn't wish to do that as a parent and would make me think the school was blurring the home/school boundary too much.

GlassBluebird · 24/06/2026 12:03

I'm a teacher and get nervous before any parent event. Assemblies, Sports Day, Parents Evenings - I bloody dread it! We have parents come in to observe and take part in lessons each term, and it is the bane of my life.

These people saying "No" are clearly more well-adjusted than I am...

concertinacornflake · 24/06/2026 12:03

Caponbackwardslikeaknob · 24/06/2026 11:55

I think it’s so we share the moment with her, other parents have done it before

This is ridiculous.

Caponbackwardslikeaknob · 24/06/2026 12:03

Myfridgeiscool · 24/06/2026 12:02

I doubt the teacher is nervous, rolling their eyes instead. Taking a cake into school is bizarre, packet of haribo each or a few sweets is more usual.
Are you going to ask everyone to sing happy birthday???

We are abroad and this seems to be the custom here. It wouldn’t be my plan! Dd asked as everyone does it apparently and yes they sing Happy birthday and I need to bring cups, plates, napkins etc, hence why I’m nervous! It feels like a lot

OP posts:
Ablondiebutagoody · 24/06/2026 12:04

I wouldn't want this happening in my class. If you want to share some cake, do it on your own time not mine.

concertinacornflake · 24/06/2026 12:05

Caponbackwardslikeaknob · 24/06/2026 12:03

We are abroad and this seems to be the custom here. It wouldn’t be my plan! Dd asked as everyone does it apparently and yes they sing Happy birthday and I need to bring cups, plates, napkins etc, hence why I’m nervous! It feels like a lot

It didn't feel very UK standard. If it's optional, just don't bother. If everyone else does, probably best to go along with it.

Caponbackwardslikeaknob · 24/06/2026 12:05

SequoiaTree · 24/06/2026 12:02

I used to have a party separate from school for my dc and hand out cake then.

We do this also, but can’t invite the whole class, I think this also helps people who can’t afford parties

OP posts:
Caponbackwardslikeaknob · 24/06/2026 12:06

GlassBluebird · 24/06/2026 12:03

I'm a teacher and get nervous before any parent event. Assemblies, Sports Day, Parents Evenings - I bloody dread it! We have parents come in to observe and take part in lessons each term, and it is the bane of my life.

These people saying "No" are clearly more well-adjusted than I am...

It helps me to know teachers get nervous too as I feel v nervous

OP posts:
Unicornsandprincesses · 24/06/2026 12:06

Yeah definitely not the done thing in the UK. But I think it sounds lovely.

to answer your original question. Yes. I’d be anxious and nervous, I’d totally over think it, down to what type of napkins and plates I’m bringing, I’d prepare for ages, stress about it, about what to say, how to hand it out, how it’s all going to work, etc.

then after, I’d think “that wasn’t so terrible, why was I so wound up?”

then I’d probably get a massive headache and end up going to bed early 🥴🤣

not even joking

SugarC · 24/06/2026 12:06

If its the norm then I wouldnt worry.
For us here (NE england) we tend to take in multiple bags of multipack Haribo for the birthday kid to dish out to the class (or class teacher).

Caponbackwardslikeaknob · 24/06/2026 12:08

Unicornsandprincesses · 24/06/2026 12:06

Yeah definitely not the done thing in the UK. But I think it sounds lovely.

to answer your original question. Yes. I’d be anxious and nervous, I’d totally over think it, down to what type of napkins and plates I’m bringing, I’d prepare for ages, stress about it, about what to say, how to hand it out, how it’s all going to work, etc.

then after, I’d think “that wasn’t so terrible, why was I so wound up?”

then I’d probably get a massive headache and end up going to bed early 🥴🤣

not even joking

🤣This is me exactly

OP posts:
ExitPursuedByABare · 24/06/2026 12:09

I used to send DD with a fairy cake each for the class and staff.