Dawn’s three-year-old daughter recently started preschool.
A Frank Preschool Teacher
She has a teacher who, in Dawn’s opinion, can be pretty blunt, bordering on rudeness.
No More Toys at School
Dawn had to stop allowing her daughter to bring toys to school because they frequently got lost, and the teacher offered no assistance locating them.
Lost and Missing
For instance, Dawn’s daughter brought a small Lego creation to school to show her friends, but it went missing.
Lost Lego, Lost Patience
When Dawn asked the teacher about it, she did not know its whereabouts. She refused to look for it, stating that she couldn’t differentiate her Legos from others.
Missing Sticker, Lost Smile
On another occasion, Dawn’s daughter had a sticker on her shirt that disappeared, and she was upset when Dawn picked her up from school.
Displeasure with the Teacher’s Attitude
Dawn asked the teacher to help find it, and the response was, “I will not be tearing apart my classroom and playground to find a sticker that fell off four hours ago.”
Jacket Mix-Ups
There have also been instances where other children mistakenly took home Dawn’s daughter’s jackets.
The Window Message
Recently, Dawn noticed two notices on the window that she believes were written by this teacher.
The first reads, “Your child is not the only one with the pink puffer jacket or Moana water bottle. Please label your child’s belongings to ensure they go home with the right person.”
The Second Notice
The second says, “We understand caring for a sick child is difficult, but 12 of them isn’t any easier. Please keep your child home if they have these symptoms.”
Targeted Audience
In Dawn’s view, these notes are unnecessarily snarky and seem directed at specific parents.
Concerns Unaddressed
Dawn raised her concerns with the school director. Still, no action has been taken regarding the teacher’s behavior or the notes.
Overreacting or Justifiably Concerned?
Her husband thinks she might be overreacting. Dawn now wonders if she is the jerk for complaining about this situation. She posted her story on one online forum and asked others to share their opinions.
Unrealistic Expectations
A user replied, “Expecting your child’s belongings to return from preschool intact or at all is unrealistic. Let it go. I find it amusing that someone requested a teacher to search for a fallen sticker.”
When Expectations Meet Reality
Another commenter said that expecting the teacher to keep track of a child’s stick is absurd. They suspect this might provoke the teacher’s reaction. Another commenter agreed and added, “As a former elementary teacher, I can assure you that things like this happen. It’s a real mystery why so many incredible teachers have left the profession.”
Common-Sense Approach
Another commenter emphasized the need to use common sense, and for labeling children’s belongings when they bring items to school. They suggested a practical rule where children should show their items to friends before the school bell rings and put them in their bags, as teachers have more significant responsibilities than tracking small items like stickers.
Additionally, they strongly discouraged bringing toys to school, drawing from their experience as a toddler teacher. They explained that toys in school often lead to conflicts and recommended leaving them at home or in the car, highlighting the importance of setting clear boundaries.
Misinterpretations
One comment pointed out that the teacher is establishing fair and sensible expectations for parents who may not fully grasp the challenges of the school environment. Despite these expectations, he noted that the original poster (OP) appears to perceive them as being directed specifically at her and interprets them as snarky. The commenter predicted that OP may continue to bring stickers or toys to school, only to complain when these items are inevitably lost. In his view, OP is wrong in this situation.
A Teacher’s Role and Perspective
One commenter said this gives them the impression that Dawn views everyone else in the world solely as a means of convenience for herself. She may not fully comprehend that, as a teacher, they are responsible for the education and safety of all their students, and “a few anonymous Legos and a random label hold little significance.”
In the commenter’s opinion, the teacher demonstrates remarkable patience by refraining from openly laughing at the situation.
Sticky Situations
Another user advised, “It’s important to learn to set boundaries with your daughter regarding bringing valuable items to school or using the teacher’s suggested labeling method. Those signs are effective because they are easy to remember.”
The commenter then expressed their opinion that the OP is in the wrong for appearing to believe that everything should revolve around their child. They also suggested that stickers lose their adhesive qualities once they’ve fallen off. In conclusion, they sided with the OP’s husband, asserting that the OP may be overreacting.
More Stories From Dukes Avenue
Lunch Box Wars! Mom Stands Up to Racist Comments from Another Mom on the Playground
15 Baby Names People Think Are Classy, But Really Aren’t
Easily Plan A Gender Reveal Party Your Guests Will Enjoy
30 Creative Baby Shower Ideas
Susan is the founder of Susan's Socials, a social media agency focused on Flipboard. She is also a content curator, encouraging a healthy lifestyle through topics such as pets, food, travel, home decor, gardening, and fashion.
