Mom or Educator??

An educator is not only an educator but she will most likely be a wife, a friend, a sister, a co-worker, and sometimes, a mother. How do we handle the different roles we're faced with every day and every minute? Somehow we manage and we don't give it much thought. But how do we handle it when two roles intertwine?

A strenuous duality is when you are bringing your children to the same day care that you're working at and leaving them with their educators. We have all seen the different sides children have depending whether Mommy or Daddy are present.

As an educator and mother, I had mixed emotions when I brought Max and Alex at my day care. It was hard in the mornings when we each went in our respective groups. Being so physically close to them, it was easy for the roles to switch back and forth, from educator back to mom. I loved knowing where and with who my babies were, but not getting involved was the hardest part of all. Looking back at my experience, here are a few tips that I found helpful when dealing with the hidden pressures of being a mom? Or educator?

1. Start your child at a young age. I found babies and toddlers will integrate better. They won't be searching for Mom as much if they're comfortable in their own environment.

2. Talk with your child and remind your child which educator will take care of him/her and which group of children you'll be with. Be reassuring; it's doesn't mean that you don't love him/her - you do! Say that you'll be there when it's time to go home later on that day. Talk about something you have done together at home. This will give a sense of security as the child understands more that day care is day care and home is home. 3. Trust your co-workers and give them "carte blanche." Do not interfere with their daily squabbles and routines. If your child approaches you, redirect him/her towards their educator. Show support for both sides but don't get involved. Don't spend your time analysing the every way their educators act. Remember, it's tough to have children in your group, especially when the mother happens to be a co-worker.

4. When dealing with the other educators, realise they don't want to talk about your child all the time. They have other children in their group and so do you. It will take stress off your co-worker if she doesn't feel like she has to "perform." Try to talk about other subjects or use other children as examples.

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