| May 29 @ 4:14 PM |
Schools out...
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Snappygoddess
Posts: 3,823
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Today was our last day of school for summer vacation. Another para and I were talking and she asked me if I would miss the kids over the summer break and I said not really. She proceeded to tell me what a terrible para/person I was for not missing our special needs boys.
I told her I love every last one of them but everyone needs a break.. summer is the time for kids AND adults to rejuvinate and relax before school starts back up in August. Just because I won't miss them(I am talking crying cause I miss them) doesnt mean I dont love my kids and my work I can seperate my work from my home life.. I need to or I will be totally drained all the time.
She then said "Well why bother to come back next year if you feel that way?" 
Some people just dont get it....we ALL need a break from our jobs...no matter how much we love it.
Anyone care to remark on whether you agree or disagree that because I said I wont miss my kids that I am a terrible para/teacher/person? 
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| May 29 @ 4:18 PM |
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SaintBacon
Posts: 1,712
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I'm with you Snappy! Everyone needs a break, even from those they care about...that's why Mrs. Bacon locks me in the basement for days on end  . Seriously, not missing the kids doesn't make you any less of a caring person. I love our sons, but it's also pretty nice being empty-nesters. We still see and visit with them regularly, but do I miss having them in the house every second? Nope, not at all. Does that make me a bad father?
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| May 29 @ 4:18 PM |
Schools out...
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cartay25
Posts: 391
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No, you're not terrible. Everyone needs a break, especially with a demanding job like yours. Bravo for the work you do and enjoy the summer off. 
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| May 29 @ 4:23 PM |
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pamdemonium
Posts: 14,546
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Who doesn't look forward to vacation?
Enjoy it! You worked hard all year for it!
Now get your suncreen on and get outside...and make
the most of it. September will be here before you know it! 
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| May 29 @ 4:23 PM |
Schools out...
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Snappygoddess
Posts: 3,823
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Maybe part of the reason I wont miss them is because I am working the two summer school sessions...so I will still be seeing a few of the naughty boys I work with during the year..am I a glutton for punishment or what? 
Seriously...summer school is extra pay(as we do not get paid during our summer breaks otherwise) and the school boards wonders why they can't find more good paras.... working with children is demanding enough.. working with special needs children goes beyond demanding most days.. but I truly love my work. I can honestly say no two days are alike
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| May 29 @ 4:23 PM |
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LaughTillYaPuke
Posts: 1,822
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Are you kidding? We have 2 weeks of school to go and I can't wait to see the ass end of these 8th graders. (and I have a family member in that class)
That doesn't mean that I haven't loved them, fed them, clothed them, tutored them, had them to my home, held them when they have cried. It is an INTENSE job. If you are going to do it right that is.
I wonder how many people out there could hold a garbage can while someone elses child pukes in it. How many people out there willingly give up a good chunk of their income to FEED their job?
Do I feel guilty? Heck no. During the summer I work two other jobs. I do summer school (I get to teach fishing this year...can you believe it?!?!?  ) I do the data entry for registration and grades for summer school. And at night...crank out some hours at a mini mart. I DO NOT tutor in the summer.
You can see the teachers who have "burn-out" and hate the kids. They are just sticking around for their retirment. As long as you have your passion while you are there...you can think whatever you want when you are away! 
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| May 29 @ 4:46 PM |
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Nightowl001
Posts: 4,143
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Snappy, I don't know how long you've been a para, but you sound like you're approaching it just about like I would think it should be. I don't know who the other para was you were talking to, but she apparently lives for her job, rather than for her life. This is shown by her approaching vacation with something akin to "empty nest syndrome." Underneath it all, those people don't see a graduating class as an accomplishment, but an abandonment; they approach it with a sense of loss rather than achievement. That's how they get burnt out after a very short time.
I've never been in a classroom teaching setting, but I've been a parent, and there were times I wished someone would take MY kids for three months! Believe me, the appreciation for the quiet and lack of cleaning up after them would have overshadowed any "missing" them for at least the first month of their absence!
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| May 29 @ 4:49 PM |
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Brass_Wolf
Posts: 681
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Consider yourself fortunate to even get a few months off. Most of us in the private sector work year round, with only a week or two off. Enjoy!
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| May 29 @ 4:56 PM |
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Loreli
Posts: 20,319
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Snappy, you KNOW I understand.....
Even parents need "me" time away from their own child.
I applaud you for the work you do
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| May 29 @ 6:53 PM |
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Snappygoddess
Posts: 3,823
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Thanks all, for your input! I really do appreciate and love my work and I do indeed know how lucky I am to have summers off, but quite frankly, I deserve it! Working with children is hard work but so worth the payoffs on those smiling faces
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| May 29 @ 10:08 PM |
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signme
Posts: 9,596
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I'm a teacher and I still look forward to summers off (even though now it's 2 months instead of 3). I love my job, I really like being with the kids but I need the downtime to get ready for another year. I am so glad we have never gone to year round school. I treasure my 2 months off, even though I will spend several days back in the classroom to finish up and/or get ready for next year.
I had a pretty good class this year and the parents were good too. I will miss most of the kids but besides me needing a break, so do they! Yay!!! Tomorrow (Friday) is a half day then we're done!
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