Juggling Teaching and Motherhood – As a Music Teacher

You went to school to be a teacher, spending long hours studying, in the practice rooms, and also juggling that college life.  But, in the back of your head, you’re also excited to become a mom one day.  You push that thought back in your mind, because after all, you’re just in college and are excited to start your teaching career.

After graduating, you begin teaching, meet your husband, and then you have a baby.  Everything is glorious and exciting, until maternity leave is over and you have to go back to work.  You realize in that moment, you need to juggle two worlds and sometimes feel like you’re failing at both.  Juggling teaching and motherhood isn’t easy, but you are capable of doing both well.

 

Let yourself feel all the emotions

When I went back to work after having our first son, he was 5 months old.  I lucked out having him in March, because I got the rest of the school year off plus summer.  I didn’t realize just how hard going back to work would be.  My love for teaching music was intense, but now I had this new little person who needed me as well.

So, I’d sometimes cry on my way to school after dropping him off and it actually made me feel better.  People told me it would get easier and they were right.  If you need to have a good cry now and again, then do it!

 

You’re doing a great job

Say this after me… “I’m doing a great job!”  Yes you’re a good mom and yes you’re a good music teacher.  It’s more than possible to do a great job in both worlds.

Will you doubt yourself some days?  Of course you will!  Don’t we all do that in many areas of life?  But, when mom guilt creeps up, don’t dwell there.  Your child is in a safe place and is probably not thinking of you as much as you’re thinking of them.

If you need to stay at school a little longer one day, don’t beat yourself up about this either.  Some days things need to get done and you know what?  You’re showing your child that you have such a strong work ethic.

In all this though, don’t forget to take care of yourself in the process as well.  (I talk more about that in this podcast episode.)

 

Balance your time wisely

Staying organized and on top of your calendar is a huge help in balancing your time.  Write down literally everything, so when school or personal life conflicts arise, you’ll easily be able to look at your calendar.

Other great way to balance your time is by meal planning and having crock pot meals ready to go, laying out clothes the night before, and setting time aside for family fun.

Of course you’ll have days you need to stay at school late or go in early.  Set your program dates ahead of time so you know what nights in the school year you’ll need to stay late.  If you need to schedule a doctor’s appointment, free up an afternoon to take them.

With a good classroom management system in place, your planning time can be used to actually plan lessons instead of planning your next day of trying to discipline students.

 

Being a parent will make you a better teacher

A lot of teachers say “my students ARE my kids” because as you invest your time in them day in and day out, these students you love so much become family.

But, I never realized that being a parent would make me a better teacher until I had my own child.  Having a child helps you understand the parents emotions when it comes to their children.  You understand their worry, joy, and struggles.

Having a child makes you realize the same hopes and dreams you have for them is exactly what your students parents feel as well, so it’s easier to put yourself in their shoes.

 

Give yourself grace

On those days you feel like you’re failing in every area, not meeting anyone’s expectations, and missing your kids a lot, give yourself grace.  You’re not a superhero (although to your kids and students you are) and you can’t be perfect at all the things.

Remember, you’ll learn as you go, will grow as a person, and will balance motherhood and teaching better than you thought you could.

If you’re too tired after school to play with your kids, give yourself grace.  When you order in dinner for the third night that week, give yourself grace.  If your weekly lesson plans didn’t get finished, so you have to bring them home, give yourself grace.

You’re doing exactly what you were meant to do and are doing a fantastic job.

 

What about you?  What ways do you find teacher work life balance as an elementary music teacher?  I’d love to hear all about it in the comments below or share your thoughts on social media as you share this post.   

Also, I’d love for you to share this post or any of the resources on my website with a friend or colleague who you know NEEDS to see it.

P.S.  Are you feeling frustrated or stuck as an elementary music teacher?  Check out these free resources to help you teach elementary music with confidence!