balance-- hard

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Home : 2002 : March : 24

balance-- hard
By Dedi

Judy,
You are in an even harder situation than me, because I was only 26 as a first year teacher, and do not have a family. I can not speak to that part, but I think you're in the same boat as many of those who have posted
on this board, as far as how much extra time you need to spend on your class. There must be some way to help your husband understand the pressures you are up against, but you can also try to compromise.
One suggestion I have read on this board several times and found very helpful is to choose one weekend day to devote completely to yourself and not do ANYTHING for school.

Let your husband and daughter know that this will be your day, and also try to enlist their understanding and support (emotional support, and perhaps some help). My boyfriend has been very supportive and even helpful with this-- he knows that Saturday during the day, I will try to get as much work done as I can. (In your case, it could also be your daughter's time to do her weekend homework) Then, we can go out on Saturday nights and not feel pressured. Sunday is my day to be free from work. On Sunday evenings, we eat dinner and watch a movie at home. I can use this time as catch-up to finish up little things I didn't get done before, and he will help by correcting math papers, coloring bulletin board pieces, etc. He enjoys doing this, and also admits that he now better understands all the "little things" that need doing and just take up my time. Not exactly the glamorous, care-free lifee I may have anticipated for my mid-20s, but it works for us. Your daughter would probably also enjoy helping out with these sorts of things.

As for the child with ADHD, what sort of info do you need? I am an inclusion teacher and may be able to help if you tell me what you're looking for. GOod luck!