teacher mums

[cumbria81]

Just out of interest, would those of you who teach primary/young children say that you have a better grasp of parenting when you have you're own child as you're used to children or did it have no influence at all?

I often think that many women have little experience of kids before their own and being a teacher must come in handy!

sorry "your" own child.

[eek]

I had my children before I became a teacher so the other way round for me, I think being a parent helps me be a better teacher. It certainly helps empathise with other parents, especially those with "difficult" children-I have one son with BSED which has made life interesting to say the least!

My dad is similar to spanieleyes, he finds that being a dad makes him a better teacher. Not sure it works the other way...he has always said that despite being able to fully control a group of 60 hyperactive primary school children, he still can't talk to my little sister in the 'wrong' way!!!

as a secondary school teacher it does help to have a teenager as I have been there/done that etc in terms of excuses from my students etc. It also helps to understand what they are talking about!

My teenager though may not agree as he can't get away with anything school based as I know too well how the system/exams etc work!

I had my children before becoming a teacher and believe it helps...certainly have empathy for parents worries and issues. Not sure I would say it works the other way, because teaching is so demanding it can be at the expense of family however hard you try not to let it.