Two Decades In: What Teaching and Parenting Have Taught Me (So Far)
Juggling diapers and diplomas, always learning as I go — spoiler: the kids teach me more than I teach them.
Some of the most important things I’ve learned in over twenty years of being a teacher mama have nothing to do with lesson plans or perfectly packed lunches. They have everything to do with intention, purpose, clear expectation. And sometimes with lessons learned the hard way.
I’ve taught high school English for nearly two decades, raised two sons now off at college, and I’m back in the early years again with twin toddlers. I’m so far from perfect — but I show up. I do my best. I pivot. I tweak the plan. I try new strategies. I keep learning. And honestly? The biggest lesson of all: I always learn more from my kids than they do from me.
Here is where I share stories, strategies, and reflections from both sides of the whiteboard. I hope they resonate. I hope you find something helpful. And I hope you’ll share your parenting and teaching wins (and flops) too — because we’re all doing our best to raise kind, curious, capable humans.
New on the Blog:
✨ Tools for Teaching & Parenting✨
From classroom behavior charts to toddler activity planners, I’ve created (and tested!) printable resources to help you bring structure, clarity, and a little more calm to your days.
Printable Tools for Teaching & Parenting
Whether you’re planning lessons or managing the home front, these printables have helped me bring a little more order (and calm!) to the chaos. Grab what you need and tweak them for your crew.
✨Coming Soon✨
(Free printables are coming soon — check again!)
- 📎 Daily Behavior Tracker (PDF)
- 📎 Editable Homework Planner (Google Sheet)
- 📎 Family Command Center Template (PDF)
- 📎 Weekly Meal Plan Template (PDF)
- 📎 Toddler Routine Visual Schedule (PNG)
- 📎 Free “Say Yes” Reminder Cards (PDF)
From My Cart to Yours: Some of My Classroom Favorites
I’m always on the hunt for supplies that are actually worth it. These are the ones I come back to again and again—at school, at home, and everywhere in between. Click the product links below and shop my list!
My Favorites💕
- Classroom Lamps: My students love that I use these instead of the halogen overhead lights
👉 Shop them on Amazon - Daily Calendar Block: Just an adorable way to keep track of the days on your desk
👉 Get it Here - “I Read & Know Things” Poster: The perfect for your classroom library or book corner
👉Get it Here
More of My Favorites:
Some of the links above are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases — at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting Mama‑First and helping me keep this space growing!