Do teachers feel nervous about these things too?

[Caponbackwardslikeaknob]

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?

Not the done thing here in Northern Ireland (& yes it would be a major pain) but as a primary school teacher I would feel a bit nervous. I feel nervous with any new adult coming into my class and a bit nervous with other events involving parents.

Please don’t take a cake into school 🙈 Save it for when your child is at home. Honestly, no one cares that it’s your child’s birthday, and thankfully DDs school stopped all this cake/sweet sharing nonsense years ago.

There were 35 kids in the class. So it meant that sweet treats were being handed out pretty much every week, which most parents didn’t want their kids to have. Not to mention the allergies and special diets. Just don’t do it!

Already done, a really lovely thing and the other kids do it, not everyone is as miserable as you appear to be!

That made me laugh out loud. I’m not miserable. I enjoy celebrating birthdays as much as the next person but along with many of the parents and teachers at my DDs school, I don’t think it’s a good idea to keep sending sweets and cakes into school for birthdays. It’s too many sweet treats for the children, it eats into learning time and puts pressure on families that can’t really afford to do it. I’m glad DDs school stopped parents doing it.

From what I can gather, the families that do it mainly don’t seem to do parties, which cost a lot more, maybe this is an easier option for them. I’m sure if I was a teacher that i’d love it if all did it, but I don’t think all do, she seemed very unbothered

I'm with you @Justgottokeeponkeepingon

As a former teacher, having 30+ parents faffing about with birthday cakes, interrupting my teaching would have been a nightmare.

That doesn't make me miserable.

And no one with any sense would remotely think you were miserable for this stance

Odd how “very nervous” you were
but now…. You’d fight to the death that this is the most wonderful joyous event and anyone who thinks otherwise is po faced and miserable 😆

This wouldn’t be allowed anywhere in my council or in many others in Scotland. What a waste of teaching time! Imagine doing this up to 33 times a year? Also what about those kids whose parents couldn’t afford the cake therefore wouldn’t come in? Where is the equity ? What about allergies? Are you catering for those? Birthday cakes are for home and you wouldn’t be disturbing my class or our day with this .

I think it's odd that the parent comes in to do it. Does this happen throughout the whole school? Is this DD first year and maybe something the school does because of that?

I think that's a good point about whether all parents do it. I think if in whatever country you are in this is the norm and everyone does it then that's fine, but if you have a class of 30 and about 5 don't, this then stands out. Do they still get sung to? Or is it only if you bring cake and your mum turns up to host it (in school time?!)

I generally find it awkward enough in schools when they allow sweets as some families do this but some don't, and kids aren't exactly shy and if they know it's someone's birthday some will ask if they have sweets to hand out or not. Makes me feel uncomfortable knowing not everyone can do that and wish it was just stopped.

This is all quite odd OP.

You’re overthinking this op. It’s fine. The teacher won’t mind. Enjoy.

The teacher will know about kids with allergies.

Some of the comments on here are ridiculous. Why so annoyed that some schools allow birthday cake just because yours doesn't. Our small village school in Scotland has always done this. It's lovely. Birthday child brings cake in on their birthday. Big deal. Staff at my school also bring in a cake on their own birthday. Shock horror. I appreciate some authorities don't allow cakes or sweets on general. Some do.

Why on Mumsnet does everything have to be so negative Nancy just because it's not what YOU do. Glad it went well OP.

Oh absolutely I do! I know my class like the back of my hand. So are the parents bringing in the egg, milk or gluten free treats too- or is that me on top of the all the other stuff I buy?

Can you quote a post that is “Annoyed”?

This used to be a thing when my son was in infants school in Italy. That was a long time ago, so not sure if it's still allowed. Are you in Italy OP?

I don't really think that's necessarily. Quite obviously- many have a bee in their bonnet over birthday cake. Very few positive comments/advice over a parent sharing birthday cake. Sad really. Just my opinion. Each to their own.

I don't have a bee in my bonnet, nor am I spoiling someone's fun. As a teacher this would be quite disruptive especially if the parent is hanging around chatting.
They may think it's fine for their child but not x 32
What happens if parents can't afford cake for the whole class or can't get time off work to do this?

I've seen what it's like for a child on an open afternoon when nobody turns up for them

I've never known a parent to be present. Like I said in my previous posts-this happens at our school. It's quiet normal to bring in a cake on your birthday as a pupil. Not all pupils do it. I'm sure some parents don't agree for many reasons. That's fine. But it's also a nice idea. Just like buying a teacher a gift. Some like to some don't. Some authorities allow it some don't. I see the same comments on posts about gifts 'what if the teacher has an allergy ' what if the pupil can't afford to'. No matter what someone posts on here numerous problems are always presented. I'm surprised at this one though. Anyway I think I've shared enough opinion on it. I understand we don't all agree or think the same. It's just cake 🤷🏼‍♀️

Didn’t think you’d be able to

why? Absolutely NO ONE is annoyed that their school doesn’t allow this.

The teacher is probably hoping you’ve got enough to share with staff 😂
As a teacher, this wouldn’t make me nervous - other meetings would - we are human.

Although today is probably be wishing for ice lollies instead of cake.

Of course they aren't. I think you've read my post wrong. I'm just pointing out that some schools do allow cakes and it's not as absurd or annoying as some are making out. Doesn't matter if you personally agree with or not. Makes no difference to me. I'm a teacher. I have 4 children. I see birthday cakes in both schools 😁

To quote you

Why so annoyed that some schools allow birthday cake just because yours doesn't

not one poster is annoyed that their school didn’t allow this

That is correct but you are misunderstanding. I don't think anyone is annoyed that their school doesn't allow cake. I think it seems to irritate some posters that schools do allow and enjoy it just because it's not what they in particular are used to.

Have a day off 🤣 and maybe some cake.