I have a 22 month old son! SAHM! I teach the 2/3 sunday school class twice a month, I have for 3 years. he has just moved into my class. the last three times I have tried to teach the class with him in the room, have been really bad. He get's upset when he see's me play with the other kids. and story time usually erupts in a tantrum. because he wants to either sit on my lap, take the bible, or any props I have. His behavior upsets the other kids because they are used to me as their teacher.I have had reports from the other teacher's that he is great when I'm not in the room. So it must be me, Should I give him more time to adjust, or should I step down for a season, and find somewhere else to serve! has anyone else had this problem! how did things turn out!
See if you can switch for the year (or however long till he is in the next class) with another teacher. At that age it's just too difficult for him to understand you aren't mommy. My son is in 2nd grade and I teach the 1st-2nd grade class but at his age it isn't a problem.
It'd be a shame for you step down if you enjoy teaching. It seems that another mom would be willing to help you out. Good luck.
I think I would also ask if you could switch to a different class for the year. He is too young to understand that you are teacher, not mommy in the class room.
I would look to see if you can switch with a teacher of a different age group. It's hard for a 2-3yr old to understand you are not 'Mommy' in this room.
Maybe someone else would be happy to serve this age group for the next couple of years while you take on their current group.
Pray for God to provide the right opportunity and to open the hearts of the other teachers before you approach them.
Take care! T.
I worked in a day care years ago and could not understand why they would not let me have my child in the classroom.This is why. I did see him from time to time in our little school and he did well, but they do want our attention. I remember another horrible circumstance. It was one thing that my exhusband thought was nice, in that I played the piano and sang and he brought my tiny children to the piano bar late at night thinking it was cool to see mommy sing. It was horrible. The baby was about the same as yours, and kept crying. He brought him over to the bench and well the rest was history, no more piano playing...at least not for awhile in any more restaurant bars.Can you step down for a season? Or Have him stay in a different classroom (he is only 22 months after all, will that be horrible) but at not quite two years old he is probably isn't going to adjust any too quickly and you will continue to be frustrated. It is not you. It is the circumstances and the dynamics of being a mom.
I never teach my own children's Sunday School class for this reason. I would see if you can switch with another class now that he is in yours. My son would want me to be his teacher ever week, and would put up a big fit when I didn't. I just switched to a class that he was not in, and it was great.
I taught sunday school with my oldest 1 time, and she ended up clingy, whiny, and wanting my total attention. After that I still taught, but my daughter was in a different class. When my now 8yr olds started sunday school at 3yrs old, I requested that they be in a different class then me. It is so much better this way.
Dear R.:
You sound like a great teacher! The school children like you, and you're good at what you do. I agree with the moms who suggest switching classes, so that he's taught by another teacher, and you get to teach a different class. It's about balance, not giving up something that brings you joy. Good luck!
Yes, I had a new born that was brought into class with me because of his illnesses.I wanted to work for the Lord yet, the pastors wife wanted to let me know how "disruptive it was for the other kids" to do so. I finally asked to be relieved of my duty and it really gave me time to bond with my son and not feel so obligated to do the "right" thing.There are some who would love to teach but never felt worthy to be asked.Everyone is different so pray about it.
My thought would be to find someone who can co-teach with you. That way you can start out, and if he has a problem with it and becomes disruptive, the other person can take over while you sit with him. Usually, I wouldn't recommend letting him "get away" with this behavior, but in this situation, its not fair to the other kids.
I think it would be beneficial for both of you for you to step down/find somewhere else to serve. I have been in the same situation at out church. And I highly recommend giving yourself a break -- if you don't have to be Mommy and Teacher at the same time, don't! :)
