Why?

Home

Chat

Blogs

Collection

Directory

Home : 2003 : January : 20

Why?
By J/IA

I am wondering why on earth your principal is expecting you to be vague like this. If my child's teacher wasn't forthcoming about the due date/ expected date of leave I'd be very concerned. Your doctor will give you a due
date at your first appointment, and I'd guess most moms in your class know this. The vague answer just seems bizarre.
I am going on maternity leave just before spring break and staying home the rest of the year. I have had my group of kids for two years, and many parents are disappointed their children will have a long term sub. What parent wouldn't be? Bottom line is, my health and family

life come first, and I imagine that deep down my reasonable parents know this. I can't let myself worry about the rest. It is incredible the terrible stories I've heard from friends about parents giving them a hard time when they had maternity leave, or even when they had their doctor appointments every couple of weeks. Some parents called these teachers at home to "discuss" it. Give me a break! Anyway, my initial thought was that as a parent I'd expect my child's school leadership and the teacher to have a plan in place. To be vague implies that there isn't a plan, which would make me very uncomfortable. I'd also think it would be stressful for the kids, not being sure about what exactly to expect. If you are forthcoming in the beginning, you have plenty of time to hold class meetings and so forth to help the kids process through any negative or confusing thoughts they are having about your absence. Heck, the same would be true for parents!