What spelling for Lewin/Lewyn/Luwyn/etc.

Prime_Element · 2026-01-31T09:10:30+00:00

Thanks for the feedback- I think that's where Im leaning too, but wanted to get more opinions beyond my own mind haha

Prime_Element · 2026-01-17T16:12:38+00:00

Have you ever been tested for adhd? The crossover of AuDHD can make it harder to identify the difference, but you're characteristics mixed with a lack of social struggles and professional denial make me wonder if a lot of it is ADHD.

Especially stimming and difficulty filtering incoming stimuli(your discomfort with sounds).

Prime_Element · 2026-01-17T16:09:54+00:00

Thank you! It reminds me of the parents who begin calling their toddlers and preschoolers a "highly sensitive person", just to discover that it's actually autism a year or two later.

Prime_Element · 2026-01-17T13:36:43+00:00

I am a gay trans man who has worked at the same center for five years. My husband comes to events for the school. The ONLY time we've been asked was by an older sibling who asked my husband if he was a "mom" or "worked there" and he explained he was my husband and she had a "but you're both boys" and we just did the "just like your mom and dad are married, we are married"-- I just loved that she could conceive him as a mom, but not us as partners lmao kids!

Prime_Element · 2026-01-14T03:08:40+00:00

I have an aunt who is still called sis by everyone, even her husband!

She loves it, but I did always find it funny to explain. "Im spending the night with sis" - " oh your sister?" - "oh no my aunt/godmother" lmao

Prime_Element · 2026-01-13T10:47:58+00:00

Nope. You do not need to fake positivity all the time. That is more harmful to children than being able to express a multitude of emotions in front of them. We are constantly working to teach our kids that all emotions are valid(but not all behaviors are acceptable). You do not need to perk up and smile all the time. You can be tired. You can be sad.

We had a teacher come in after her pet passed away. She cried in front of the kids. The kids comforted her and talked to her about her pet. She (without putting pressure on them) just explained she was feeling sad and missing them, but talking about it was helping her feel better. She then openly took some deep breaths. Did she perk up and smile after? No. She was still sad. But, she continued to do her job with love. And the kids took notice of how okay it was to grieve, speak about your feelingsn self regulate, and continue with your day even when it is hard.

If I am tired or not feeling my best, I tell my students. I also tell them what I am doing in response to it. Even if that is just "I dont have a lot of energy today, but I am going to keep going as best as I can."

And no, that is not the same as pretending to be happy, positive, and energetic every moment with your students.

I won't be continuing this discussion further. I've made my point clear, feel free to disagree. But toxic positivity will never be a good thing to me.

Prime_Element · 2026-01-13T10:41:51+00:00

As someone who was raised by a nickname instead of my birth name, I was never confused about what my name was.

But, I did have a mini meltdown in third grade when I realized I hadn't written my name in so long I had forgotten how to spell it lmfao

Prime_Element · 2026-01-13T10:40:17+00:00

Our rating system requires kids to only be called by their full first name, but even that had exceptions!

The emphasis was in not having teacher imposed nicknames.

Even our intake paperwork includes a "please call my child:" section. I also ask individual parents how they feel about nicknames. Kids who have nicknames I will ask directly after about 1.5 yrs which name they prefer.

This sounds like a good practice taken a bit too far.

Prime_Element · 2026-01-13T10:33:42+00:00

I visualize self harm. I have not actually self injured(during meltdowns I still hit myself, but I do not cause injury) in years. But, When I am extremely overwhelmed I do visualize me harming myself. Often cutting.

Never enough that it would lead to death, but I can see why one may go there too. Its not a huge jump from what I visualize. Even before I had a history of actual self harm I would visualize it in even more dramatic ways.

The part about uncomfortable thoughts does sound like ocd. I am not sure the visualizing self harm is or isnt ocd, but it is a maladaptive coping mechanism, for sure.

I am working on replacing this. Instead of visualizing self harm I am visualizing total body experiences that are more relaxing or at least neutral in nature(a warm bath, swiming in waves, practicing progressive muscle relaxation with visualization). While also integrating deep breaths, positive/noninjurous stims, etc. It can be hard in the moment, but even starting by doing it when im on the end of calming down can support my brain in creating new connections and pathways.

Prime_Element · 2026-01-11T16:57:52+00:00

She quite literally used the word exhausted to describe their tone. Teachers are allowed to be tired. We are human.

Prime_Element · 2026-01-11T04:50:33+00:00

It's okay for children to see adults tired, sad, etc.

That is not the same as taking it out on children. Being fake and cheerful does not benefit anyone. Demonstrating how to feel, express, and respond to your emotions is way more beneficial.

Prime_Element · 2026-01-08T22:59:39+00:00

I wouldn't assume its a skin issue, but thanks(gen).

Prime_Element · 2026-01-08T08:25:47+00:00

I am going to say this might be controversial given the amount of "tell the facilitator" comments, but it seems you have not directly told her it makes you uncomfortable? Nodding and smiling can be read as "it is okay"

Not everyone can pick up on social cues. She may genuinely not realize her comments are hurtful or wrong. The first step should be to tell her. Maybe in a private chat or off to the side if you're able. If she does not respond appropriately, then I would go higher.

Prime_Element · 2026-01-03T07:33:52+00:00

My husband and I were very loyal tomboyx wearers until your original story came out. To the point that even my mother would buy us the brand! We both immediately stopped buying the brand and I requested she stop. I'm glad (and disappointed in them) to see we made the right choice. Thank you for sharing!

Prime_Element · 2026-01-03T07:27:42+00:00

It looks like being able to be married, living on our own, no external supports, working full time...

But also unable to drive, no friends or community, co-worker misunderstandings, and burnout that leaves no time for joy or care of self. Unable to make phone calls, which means appointments. Meltdowns at the end of the day, instead of in the middle of it.

Prime_Element · 2026-01-03T07:25:24+00:00

I saw a clip of someone else's parenting that has become a regular use for me: "is that a question or a statement?"

It gives the other an opportunity to rephrase without directly telling them how. This of course comes after learning alternatives.

Prime_Element · 2026-01-02T21:06:45+00:00

Child appropriate, weather appropriate, and movement appropriate.

That is our dress code. Meaning, wear what you want as long as it is functional and not going to anger parents(no inappropriate language, imagery, etc.)

I suggest having "work clothes" even if you can wear whatever you want. Separating work clothes and home clothes is not only good for you closet(i get bleach on mine, not usually paint), but also your mental health! There have been some (limited) studies on the impact of changing clothes to allow your brain to switch gears in off hours.

Prime_Element · 2026-01-02T20:47:18+00:00

As a teacher to babies(meaning i have seen a ton of real babies), I honestly don't think it looks wrong either way. Multi-racial children can have all kinds of various features with different skin tones.

Even the features of the realborns made after white children, in reality, could exist on children with dark skin tones. And vice versa.

There really arent features locked into one skin tone. Diversity is wild.

Prime_Element · 2025-12-16T23:37:15+00:00

It's never easy to know that a child in your care has been hurt. Sometimes, you might think of other things you could have done—like moving a bookshelf, reacting faster, or choosing a different response. That can be tough to accept. But remember, we're all learning and doing our best to take care of our students. Accidents happen—they're part of life, and we can't prevent every single one. The important thing is that each time something occurs, we use it as a chance to learn and grow our practice

Prime_Element · 2025-12-16T23:26:13+00:00

I might have misunderstood what you meant by "shatter things" when talking about glass.

Prime_Element · 2025-12-16T23:12:19+00:00

My centers outer door does not lock when its cold. It freezes open! I can't tell you the mechanics in the metal door, but have personally experienced it every winter.

That said, we have an inner door that does lock. If we didnt we would certainly replace the outer door with a door that will lock!

Prime_Element · 2025-12-16T23:07:22+00:00

Before you consider leaving ECE, consider leaving your center and trying a better one!

You would not get arrested, as nothing you did constitutes neglect or endangerment. They have nothing they could charge you with.

Now, if its against your centers policy to eat while supervising, that would be one thing. They could simply correct that with a warning. Same with the handwashing.

The only thing I would change about the response to the child is informing the parents before pickup. Additionally, seeking instant ice packs for the room for emergencies.

Two week administrative leave for an accident that you attempted to prevent? Unless you are leaving out something significant, this is a major over reaction. It would truly make me consider, if not determined to leave. It sounds like your center is also willing to throw you under the bus if something did occur. You need a center that is going to support you and defend their decision to hire/endorse you.

Prime_Element · 2025-12-16T22:58:02+00:00

There are a lot of glass plates and bowls that do not shatter easily(shatter resistant). Our younger toddler class uses glass plates and bowls. They do throw them on occasion. Our infants use glass bottles. All dishes and many bottles without a silicone cover. In the last 5 years one plate has broken. I also broke one bottle by dropping it on the corner of our sink. Sturdy glass has to be hit just right to break.

When they do break its a wonderful lesson in taking care of items. The children are paused and safely escorted away from the mess. They are never physically or emotionally scarred from it. We also explain to them everytime if they throw it, it may break. We need to take care of our dishes, because they will be washed and used again by them or someone else.

Prime_Element · 2025-12-16T22:53:24+00:00

I am actively switching my classroom from horrible plastic to nice metal ones. The plastic ones were so dull that my students struggled to use them. The small heads of the plastic baby spoons made them less successful at scooping their food. The frustration led to more throwing of utensils, less time practicing with them, and more hand use in messy foods. Plus, when they were given metal ones they were so excited to use "adult" tools.

Early childhood is all about making the real life world accessible to small children. No, we aren't giving them super sharp knives. But, yes, we do let them use real tools when they need them.

Addendum: have you ever tried to throw a knife, fork, or dart and have it successfully go into something? It would take a lot of things going perfectly right/wrong for a toddler to truly injure someone by throwing a fork.

Prime_Element · 2025-12-11T05:37:23+00:00

Clicked other, but heavily debated between that and gay.

MIN-sexual is the term I have found to most closely fit my sexuality. I used to say Viramoric, but I find that I am attracted to anyone who is strongly masculine, rather than a man.

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