Having your child attend school where you work.

Aideen - posted on 07/15/2009

I'm very glad to read so many positive replies to your query. My daughter attends my school...(I don't teacher her)... it's working very well. A key factor for me was the quality of teaching in my school. I didn't think I could trust that it would be as good in another local school. If I were to move school myself I would quite likely leave my daughter in this school (at least until I was sure my new school was approaching the education of the children just as well). If you're sure of the quality of teaching and learning in your school, its not difficult to overcome little hic-cups on the other hand if you would have issues with policies or practices in your school, it's much more difficult to turn a blind eye when your own child is affected and would most likely create an inner mom/teacher conflict. Have to repeat that it's lovely to see your child during the day and the convenience is great...once you're confident that she's getting a great education in that school. Would you recommend your school?

Tanya - posted on 07/15/2009

Interesting responses. I am glad that I found this thread because I have been debating this for some time. My daughter is starting Kdg this fall and I have chosen not to have her attend my school this year. I like the idea of the convenience and not having to take time off to participate in activities with her but I also worry that the boundaries will get blurred. I know how I am, and I would want to peek in frequently. If my daughter needed to disciplined, I know that I might take offense if I do not approve of the chosen method. As the Library Media Specialist, I would have to teach her and I think it would be difficult for both of us to separate mommy from teacher. I think that it is a highly personal decision and you have to know who you are as a mommy and a teacher. I know that the mommy in me would come first so I think it would be best for my daughter to go to another school.

Jennifer - posted on 07/15/2009

I am not speakiing from experience but I was just talking to a couple of my firends and collegues about this. They mentioned that if your school is not close to your house and the school that you are zoned for is a good one; then they recommend having the child go to the zoned school. This will help with friends and you will get treated as a parent not a teacher. Just an opinion.

Kimberly - posted on 07/15/2009

I teach high school and up until this coming year, my daughters have gone to the school I teach at. lol, and my husband teaches there! It is interesting at times, but my children have had a great education!

Kelli - posted on 07/15/2009

That is the challenge!

Kelli - posted on 07/15/2009

It is going to be emtional. I must say that my daughter just graduate 8th grade, so we will no longer see each other all day. I chose her grammar school for her because that was my grammar school. So to me it was tradition. I then was offered a job there when she was in 1st grade do to all my volunteering since her pre-school year. Now I did say that once my son becomes school age I will not bring him to my school. We will start a new tradition.

Debra - posted on 07/15/2009

I really like having the kids in the district with me. I can walk to their school if there is a problem and the teachers IM me with positive comments as well as notes and concerns. Another positive is being on the same schedule as my children, so childcare arrangements are much easier. I know several others who teach in the school their child attends and they like it.

The downside is the boys are forming friendships in a community 20 minutes away which may be a concern in the future. However, I have them involved in scouts and sports in our home community also.

Selena - posted on 07/15/2009

In my opinion at this age, I believe it will be beneficial to you as well as her. However, at the middle school level, I hated having my daughter at my school. She loved it and used it towards her advantage. She begins high school this year and DOES NOT want me there. LOL.....I wish you the best in your decision.

Rachele - posted on 07/14/2009

Both of my kids attend school with me. This year my daughter was in the grade level I teach, but I was lucky she wasn't in any of the classes I taught. ( We tend to butt heads) I love having the kids there and beign able to see them on a regular basis. I could go read to my sons kindergarten class on my planning and the teacher would schedule events at times I could be there with other parents. I liked that I could deal with issues as soon as they came up and I was there to kiss boo-boos that happen on the playground. The oddest part was having the kids in my kids' classes in my home because they felt awkward being around a teacher outside of school. It all works out though. I wouldn't change a thing!

Mary - posted on 07/14/2009

I teach at the junior high that both my kids attended. I found it very beneficial to be in their school at this age, when so much is changing for them. Being there gave me the opportunity to know more about their friends and teachers, and to discreetly keep tabs on what was happening with schoolwork, at a time when all kids are pulling away and clamming up about their lives. Plus, I was the first to know when my kids screwed up - you would think my son would have known better than to be texting during math class!

Erin - posted on 07/13/2009

Thank you for posting this question. My son is starting kindergarten in the fall too, and I am concerned about the same thing. I am happy to read the suggestions!

Sheryl - posted on 07/13/2009

My son as been at the same school with me for 5 years. It is fabulous because he knows that whatever he does will get back to me, and I have a relationship with his teachers ahead of time. However, it's difficult when he has a problem with a teacher. I just approach the teacher calmly and ask for her side. I usually find he has not given me the whole story, or if his concern is valid, I teach him how to talk to the teacher and handle the problem himself.

Stefanie - posted on 07/13/2009

My daughter will be in second grade this year. She does not attend the school where I teach and we love it. She rides the bus, has friends in the neighborhood and I am her mommy instead of Mrs. I do miss out on some things, but it is easier for me to be a mom with her at a different school.

Tricia - posted on 07/13/2009

Taking my daughter to the same school where I work is wonderful for me, even though it is out of the area. My daughter is now going to be in second grade and I teach second grade and I look forward to going on field trips with her and knowing the curriculum that she is learning. I love seeing my daughter at recess and peeking into her classroom when she doesn't know I am there. The other kids love it, too. I have formed relationships with the other students in her grade and will be fortunate when I have them in my class because they already know me as Immaculate's mom. I think you should do it. Others have told me that she will not form relationships with others in our neighborhood, but we have our local church and other groups that she is in and has plenty of local relationships. Good luck with your decision.

Tamara - posted on 07/12/2009

I too have have a daughte entering Kdg, this year and she will be attending the school where I teach Kdg. I also have 3 other children ages 10, 16, & 17. The two oldest children attended the elementary school where I taught at, but the 10 year old has never attended the same school where I have taught at. Here's my the con, if you need or want to be off from work; and your workplace is not in your school district you must still find a way for your child to get to school and back home. On the other hand having your child attend the school where you work at does have its benefits, close contatct with the teacher, monitoring of their progress, no time off for conferences, and swift reaction to any disipline issues your child may be having. Now as for the one child that has never gone to a school I've taught at... my husband had to attend most of the conferences alone and he also drops in on the high schoolers, and once our youngest completes Kdg. he'll be adding yet another child to his parent/teacher to do list. LOL I kinda like coming home and asking the kids how was their day and not already knowing because they were kinda with me all day. I hope this helps. Tam If I mispelled any words sorry.

Jaime - posted on 07/12/2009

both my boys go to the school I teach at. and I am their music teacher. it has been a wonderful experience. As a mom I worry less, since I know their teachers pretty well. It has also helped my oldest who is aspergers/anxiety disorder, we are able to stop his attacks faster than when he attended a different school. I also get to see their special events, without having to take a full day off work.

it takes a village to raise a child, and being there and part of that village daily is wonderful. Middle School will be harder for me than them

DeAndra - posted on 07/12/2009

Remain professional and don't overstep your boundaries!

Heidi - posted on 07/11/2009

It can be the best and hardest thing. I have all three kids at my school. I love seeing them during the day, and knowing that if anything happens I am right there. Once my daughter fell and hurt her teeth, and I was with her moments later, not an hour that I would have had to leave work and drive to a school.

But, I hear about all those little things that you usually don't tell parents, both good and bad. People do tend to treat the "staff" kids different.

Mostly I enjoy it, and so do my kids.

Kristen - posted on 07/10/2009

I loved having my daughter attend the school where I worked last year. She was in Kindergarten. It was fun to have the music and P.E. teachers stop me in the hall to share something funny that she said or commend her on a skill that she was good at. Of course, she's our "follow the rules" daughter. I may change my tune next year when her sister attends as well. She's more of a clown!!

Maria - posted on 07/10/2009

I have both of my kids at my school with me. It has been great! It did however need to be made clear that while I was at school I was a teacher and that the mommy role did not exisit until after school hours. This needed to be run by both teachers and kids! :) (Unless they were sick in which case I could give them some meds until I could leave or my husband could come get them) The kids teachers communicated more with my husband. (Just because you are on campus does not mean they have access to you all day you have a class which needs you too, exceptions illness and emergencies) This led to him taking a more active role in their education, which he has very much enjoyed. It has been wonderful!

Portia L. - posted on 07/10/2009

MY SON ATTENDED THE SCHOOOL I TEACH AT FOR HIS ENTIRE ELEMENTARY EXPERIENCE...IT WAS THE BEST THING FOR ME BEING THAT I AM A "SINGLE PARENT"! THE ONLY THING I HAD TO DEAL WITH WAS LETTING HIS TEACHERS KNOW THAT HE WAS TO BE TREATED JUST LIKE ALL THE OTHER STUDENTS.....NO SPECIAL TREATMENT B/C HIS MOM WAS THERE. I THOUGHT HE WOULD BECOME "BUCK WILD" IN MIDDLE SCHOOL B/C I WASN'T THERE BUT, THE FOUNDATION WAS ALREADY LAID AND HE HAS HAD 2 SUCCESSFUL YEARS OF MIDDLE SCHOOL!! GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR EXPERIENCE!

Amy - posted on 07/10/2009

I have taught in 4 states now and my 15 year old and I have done it several ways. Same school, same system different schools, and different states. As a special ed teacher, I have a different take. I feel I cannot adequately advocate for my own child for fear of losing my job when we are in the same system, because my job is to advocate for special needs children. My child, sometimes suffers due to the special needs children and their specific needs and/or behaviors, and seems to get put on a back burner. It depends on your system, your child, and the flow of your school. I won't send my youngest child to my school but he will attend the same system schools.

Rachel - posted on 07/10/2009

I went the school were my mom taught, it has its pros and cons. It was nice not to have ride a bus and have the same schedule, I loved being able to see her throughout the day. I didn't like having to wait in her room to go home in the afternoon or wait through meeting, PDC days also were issue, we had to find some where for me to go for the day.

Rosie - posted on 07/10/2009

All three of my children attend the same school I work in, and it's a private school, which makes it more intimate. Like the other moms have mentioned, I don't allow special treatment for them and I don't get involved in that aspect. I have a great realtionship with their teachers so I get a heads up on their academics, which is a plus. I think you'll be fine as long as you, your co-workers, and even your daughter respect the boundaries.

Lisa - posted on 07/09/2009

Quoting Clarissa:

Having your child attend school where you work.

My daughter is starting kindergarten this fall in the school that I am currently teaching. I have mixed feelings about this. Any comments?

I am a kindergarten teacher and my daughter will be starting kindergarten in my class this fall.  I've been told by my colleagues that not many moms have this opportunity and they have all LOVED having their own children in their class.  I am nervous, but excited, and look forward to watching her grow!

Amy - posted on 07/09/2009

I student taught and subbed at my son's middle school. I had one teacher who would send my son to the classroom I was in when he misbehaved. The students who chose to not follow the rules and were given detention because of their choices, took their frustration out on my son physically. I did prepare him for this, but the level of abuse continued escalating to the point of not wanting to go to school. I will not sub in my daughters school, because of what happened to my son.

Teresa - posted on 07/09/2009

I teach at the high school where both of my daughters attended. They have since graduated. I made it a point to never discuss students that they knew, and I didn't discuss my daughter with my students. Sometimes I had their friends as students, and I just treated them as students in the classroom, and friends of my kids outside of school. I never had my own children as students, though I think that could be awkward.

Elaine - posted on 07/09/2009

My son was in Kindergarten last year in the school I teach and I loved being able to peek in and check on him. My lunch time overlapped their dismissal so I got to give lots of hugs and help the teacher some before he left for daycare.

Lynne - posted on 07/09/2009

My daughter attends my school and my son will start there in Kindergarten this year. I would say it is a mixed blessing. It is hard to be a part of the "parent" population. I am first a teacher and then a parent. If I go to a non school function such as a birthday party I am always asked stuff about school. However, on the positive side I don't have to take time off of work to attend special school events such as Mother's Day Tea and the Thanksgiving feast. I can just pop in. Also I don't have to pay for daycare after school.

Karen - posted on 07/09/2009

My children both attended the school where I work (one has graduated and one still attends). They have really enjoyed having this as much as I have! It is important, I think, to respect their teacher(s) and not expect any special treatment for your child just because you teach there too. I have been fortunate to work with other teaching moms who do not "abuse the privilege" of being at school with their children on a daily basis.

Mary - posted on 07/09/2009

I think it depends on your child and you. Melody gives some great advice. I have taught students who's parents worked at the school they went to and it was good and many where it was horrible. And as Cyndi posted your child should except to be treated exactly the same as other students.....and the principal should treat that child the same as others.

Debbie - posted on 07/09/2009

I loved having my daughter come to school with me. The only problem I'm now concerned about is since it is not her neighborhood school she now doesn't know anyone who will be going to middle school with her. She seems a lot less stressed about this tha me however. So next year I will taking my son, who starts kindergaten, with me. Children are flexible and if there ever is a problem at school with a "teacher's kid" it is usually started by the parent not the child. Just remember all kids want to be "normal". So just let them be kids.

Kim - posted on 07/08/2009

My mom was a teacher before I was. We never attended her school. I have some strong feelings about it based on other reasons though.
As a teacher I have seen it cause huge problems. There is a teacher at my school that has her kids at the school, she's known to cause a fuss if things don't happen for her child (for example: if a few kids are putting on a skit for a different grade level, and her kid isn't included). It has created difficulties for the teacher that has her child in their class. As long as we are in a county where I like the school system, I don't intend to have my daughter come to school with me, I may change my mind down the road. Just my 2 cents.

Neysa - posted on 07/08/2009

It is quite nice to have my child attend the same school where I work. It has been important for me to realize that every school is not for every child, so the day may come when he/we decide to move him to a different school. My school is K-12, so he could very well attend that school for 13 years.

Donna - posted on 07/08/2009

Quoting Janell:

I love taking my daughter to work/school withme. It's so convienant. I sometimes have to fight the urge to grab her and shower her with kisses. I find it easy to talk with the teachers, know the curriculum and know what she is doing in the classroom. Let her know that Mommy is working and she needs to listen to the teacher (of course!).

Well put Janell. That's exactly what I do with my soon to be second grader. I love being there for her, but she also understands I have a job to do. There are pros and cons with having a child at the same school, but I believe the benefits outweigh the risks.

Jannett - posted on 07/08/2009

I have done this with both of my children...there are both pros and cons...Last year my son was in kindergarten and his room was about 30 feet from mine. He had a great teacher and the day was no problem. Some minor checkins...but no big deal. The biggest problems I found were because I was a teacher maybe I had too much inside info on the school, which I could handle. But the dismissal process had him reporting to my classroom before my last group of students left. This means you will have no time to unwind before you job of motherhood begins. That was very stressfull and I have decided to send him to our neighborhood school for 1st grade.

Lelia - posted on 07/08/2009

I've always had my kids at my schools. First they were at the private school where I worked for all their elementary and some junior high years and now they're at a public high school. I love it and so do they. They think they're really special, and we're talking about two high school boys.

Marie - posted on 07/08/2009

I have had both...kids at another school and now kids with me. So many comments have already been made, both good and bad.
GOOD:
* Kids are with me and makes life easier all the way around, for example drop off/ pick up and staying after to tutor
* I can talk with teachers immediately and get/ give feedback...when they were at another school, the relationships were not as open, therefore feedback was more vague and fewer opportunities.
* I know what is going on in school and can attend-- awards, 1st day, field day, special activities (My son was in Kinder...birthday in May...I had somone watch my class for about 20 minutes and was able to share cupcakes, take pics and see him have fun...that would have never happend before...I would have had to take and hour off early or 1/2 day).
BAD:
*If you need to discuss something your CO-WORKER is doing with your child, it can be sticky...pick what you feel is really important...often what I see as a "big deal" isn't to my child.

* I get no down time...they are with me on the way to work and the moment they are dismissed...they travel home with me...no time to unwind to be renewed and refreshed...I have adjusted, but it took a while...and sometimes my stress of a day/ moment does affect them...and apologize and we move on.

Overall...I would choose for them to be at the school whre I teach. After all it is so amazing seeing them during my work day. My son just finished Kinder and daughter 2nd grade. Seeing her at lunch everyday and him walking to PE/ Music or to art, seeing them play at recess...most mom's NEVER see those moments! I see it as a blessing!

If they attend the school where you teach...always have a camera handy...I have caught some neat pics and not even interupted thier days...they always ask, "When did you take that?"

Aariss - posted on 07/08/2009

My second child is going to start Pre-K this year, and my first born will be a second grader there. First of all, I love my school!!! And I love my children being there!! I try to convey to the other teachers, that my child shouldn't have special privileges just because he's mine!

Rebecca - posted on 07/08/2009

It can be a challenge. I have not only had my kids with me in the same school, but I also have to have them in my classroom! A lot will depend on your daughter. My daughter has a hard time because she wants me to always be mommy and whined and begged and stuff in my classroom. My sons are totally oposite, they are like Hi Mom and then run off with their friends! It can work!

Jane - posted on 07/08/2009

Our school is small with kindergarten through twelfth grade all in the same building. My oldest son is now in college and he did not like having me at school. My daughter is going into 9th and my youngest son is going into 8th. They both liked it. I loved knowing so much about their daily life. If they got a teacher I was not on friendly terms with, I would hear about every single thing. If they forgot a pencil, or left a paper behind when they changed classes, I would get a nasty email. Other parents were not informed at their workplace about trivial things, I did not think I should be either. I would manage to just laugh it off and say "Yeah, those things happen when you bring your kid to work!"

Olivia - posted on 07/08/2009

Make sure you have open communication with your other colleagues. Also make sure you have good rapport with the rest of the staff. Sometimes if you are not admired by the staff, it makes the experience for your child that much difficult. Imagine being in the school and witnessing your child's specialized mistreatment? Horrible. I transferred my daughter at the end of her 3rd grade year!

Tracy - posted on 07/07/2009

I teach a Kindergarten Readiness class on the elementary school campus my two boys attend. Both are doing great in school, and I love that I have the opportunity to stay in touch with their teachers regularly to keep them on the right track. My oldest, a fifth grader last year, volunteered in my classroom on his lunch hour almost every day. He really liked helping with the activities we do. He is moving on to Middle school in the fall, and I'm really going to miss him! My youngest enjoys spending time with his friends and playing outside, and I think that's great, too!

Carole - posted on 07/07/2009

As stated above, I taught middle school. The tough part about having your own kids the same age as those you teach is that you live that age 24/7 with no breaks. Be sure to schedule some adult time with spouse, girlfriends, siblings - and without kids.

Ann - posted on 07/07/2009

I had my older daughter with me for K - 3rd and my youngest is with me at school now. She will be starting 3rd grade - the grade I teach. This will be the first time that my daughter will be in the same grade I teach. I have enjoyed it - so far. We'll see how it goes with having one in the same grade I'm teaching.

Luz - posted on 07/07/2009

I'm a kindergarten teacher. Both of my kids attend the school I teach at. I love it! I am in easily accessible to my kids and vice versa. Teachers let me know immediately any problems (there's been more positive feedback, than negative) and I even got to teach my son (he's in 8th now!). My daughter, however, was too "clingy" and it wouldn't have been as successful with her (she's in 6th now). I love it and my kids don't mind it at all.

Janell - posted on 07/07/2009

I love taking my daughter to work/school withme. It's so convienant. I sometimes have to fight the urge to grab her and shower her with kisses. I find it easy to talk with the teachers, know the curriculum and know what she is doing in the classroom. Let her know that Mommy is working and she needs to listen to the teacher (of course!).

Carole - posted on 07/07/2009

I taught middle school (now retired) where 2 of my sons attended. I actually taught one of my sons - which went quite well. The biggest issue might be, when your daughter is older, that kids might complain to her about you. I prepared my kids for that before I started at the school. I told them that if someone complained to them about me they should say, "You think she's tough to have in class, you should try LIVING with her. You wouldn't believe it!" No lies, no defensiveness, no problems. (By the way, since they were prepared, it never happened.)

Cyndi - posted on 07/07/2009

My children all went to the same school that I taught in. The only problem I had was other teachers and even the principal giving my children special consideration. I was call by 2 different principals and had them to ask me what I wanted to be done to my child for his misbehavior. I had to ask what would have been done if this had been anyone else's child. They then agreed to give my child the same disciplinary action that any other child had been given. While I appreciate them asking my opinion - I did not and still don't want my children thinking that because Mom is a teacher, they could get away with things they should not be doing! I made it perfectly clear to both principals I wanted my children treated just like a "normal" child!

Melody - posted on 07/07/2009

#1 - Meet her teacher, explain to her you work there as well. Establish a great system of communication with her teacher and that will help them immediately.

#2- If something goes wrong, do not overstep the boundaries. Meaning, if you see your child being diciplined in the correct fashion, do not step in. Let her teacher handle it.

#3- Take a deep breath! Its such a blessing to be in the same place. Its always nice to bump into your own child and wave at them throughout the day.