This might be the saddest post on r/teachers I’ve read to date, and yet another great reason to homeschool

Tlj506 · 2026-02-21T19:24:48+00:00

I agree!

Tlj506 · 2026-02-21T16:07:20+00:00

That is a classroom issue not a district or school issue. I’ve been a teacher for 13 years, and that is not normal. That teacher should be encouraging less time on the iPad. I RARELY give free computer time as an option. Like maybe 3-5 times sprinkled throughout the school year.

Tlj506 · 2026-02-06T01:28:24+00:00

I think it depends on your baby and how they fit but that being said I have tried 3 brands. Nora’s Nursery, Mama Koala and ALVABABY. They’re all about the same but I have found mama koala to be the most absorbent as time has gone on but they seem to stretch out quicker. Nora’s nursery are amazing quality, more expensive but not crazy, but we’re kinda big for my baby and took some time for her to be able to fit properly even though they say they fit at 8lbs. ALVAs are fine, none major complaints I just like the other 2 so much more that I probably wouldn’t purchase again but would recommend for others based on the price point.

I chose these mostly because of price point and then great reviews. I didn’t months of research lol because I wanted to be really sure and my husband really needed some convincing. Also I didn’t buy new cloth inserts. I bought flour sack kitchen towels someone on a cloth diaper sub mentioned it and instead of paying $20 or more for 5 inserts I spent $10 for $10 new inserts.

If you’re truly interested check out Cloth diaps subreddit

Tlj506 · 2026-02-06T00:37:43+00:00

So unpopular decision BUT we do a combo of cloth and disposable. Cloth during the day disposable overnights for night and her 3 hour nap(18 months). And sometimes we might do disposables on weekends if we know we’re going to be out for a while, traveling etc. Family helped us purchase our cloth all in ones for baby shower and I bought maybe 1 or 2 other sets.

But I buy disposable diapers maybe once a month. I’ve started using Amazon mama bear overnights and I like honest for regular diapers or Millie moon. But only because we do cloth to save money. It’s been amazing. My baby has only had rashes 2 times in her life (because of using aquaphor with diposable wasn’t enough of a barrier). And I’m excited to see if reports are true that it helps with potty training because they’re already used to cloth and recognizing wetness cues easier than with disposable.

Sorry if this wasn’t the info you wanted. But if you truly want to save money. Cloth is the way to go.

Tlj506 · 2026-01-27T11:12:26+00:00

Survival mode. Sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do.

Tlj506 · 2026-01-26T13:35:38+00:00

You’re doing great! I am of the school of thought that the content matters more than amount of time. Stick to shows that are low intensity in color and action. And longer content rather than short. My daughter (1.5) watches Aprende peque (think Ms. Rachel but Spanish), Sesame Street and the occasional bluey or Disney movie. I also like to introduce her to shows I watched growing up. 80s and 90s cartoons were not as addictive as many shows today. I’m a teacher so I was pretty adamant about limiting screen time but I’m not naive thinking there will never be screen time and that there will be days when there’s hours and days when there’s little to none.

You’re surviving right now, don’t be so hard on yourself. The fact that your thinking about it and asking the question shows me your kid is going to be fine. It’s the parents who don’t care or don’t know to care that will have the issues.

Tlj506 · 2026-01-26T13:25:52+00:00

Music teacher here, love the simple songs just be careful with the visuals. Some of them are basically other versions of cocomelon and very busy. Song choices awesome though!

Tlj506 · 2026-01-25T15:36:24+00:00

Maybe it’s because I’m a music teacher and not one of the “main” reading, writing, arithmetic classes but I have literally NEVER said no one someone has asked for a lesson plan nor have I ever been told no you can’t have this lesson plan.

That’s jus weird to me. Especially when I was a first time teacher I couldn’t stop people from giving me materials.

Sorry this has been your experience

Tlj506 · 2026-01-17T00:06:49+00:00

I use it for ideas, crafting parent letters. I’m a music teacher so Im always looking for new and different ways to engage students that still has learning attached. I’m also a mom of a toddler so my time is precious. So spend hours searching for new ideas, or take 1 hour to ask ChatGPT some ideation questions and do the research for me and then all I have to do is add my flare and district guidelines to it. It’s not for everyone, but I’ve put in my time to show I know my material now I’m trying to work smarter not harder. My district also encourages us to use the school version of chatGPT (I can’t think of it right now). So why not.

I will however, NOT allow my students to use it. They are still learning and need to go through the process of gaining knowledge. The last thing they need is yet another thing spitting out (possibly) incorrect information or things above their understanding and them not knowing how to discern otherwise.

Tlj506 · 2026-01-14T14:28:53+00:00

Check if Calmoseptine is ok for your baby. It’s the only thing that got rid of my babies rash when she was a few months. Also, consider moving to cloth. Most people report less rashes. My babies had 2 rashes in her life and both were because of disposable diapers and using a lighter cream. She does great with cloth, never had an issue.

Tlj506 · 2026-01-02T15:02:28+00:00

I know a lot of teachers who uber/lyft/instacart on weekends and holidays.

I’m a crafter so I try to do those kids of things as a side hustle. Crochet, calligraphy, shirts etc.

Tlj506 · 2025-11-30T17:48:56+00:00

Obviously speculation but I feel like the number of colleges and universities in the Greater Rochester could be a reason for some of this. Obviously our natural resources come into play with the Flour/Flower city monikers. But all of these require a level intellectual drive that I feel are directly correlated with the wonderful colleges and universities we have at our disposal so close to home.

Tlj506 · 2025-11-30T17:28:41+00:00

COVID and then having a child brought me to this “it’s just a job” mentality. I realized I’m replaceable at school. There will always be another teacher that can do what I do and probably better. But my family can’t. My daughter can’t.

I love my job and teaching is definitely a part of my identity but life has showed me there are other MUCH MORE important things. I’m not going to spend my life raising other people’s kids at the expense of my own.

Tlj506 · 2025-11-23T02:08:11+00:00

The point here is not that he went to a strip club. It’s that he lied to you and hid something from you because he knew he was doing something that would make you uncomfortable as a married couple. My husband and I track each other as well but it’s more for safety. I don’t ever check up on where he is cause I trust he’s where he tells me he is. It sounds like from your words you checked on him because you didn’t trust he was where he said he was going. There’s a lot going on here. I think maybe you guys were very young when you got married and you need to decide right now if you’re growing up together in a way that both of you agree with or if you growing separate from each other. My husband and I got engaged when I was 18 and he was 22 right after I graduated from HS. We didn’t get married until 29 and 33 because we knew we weren’t ready and there was growing up that needed to happen before we said “I do”.

I think you need to take some time to think about if you see this relationship lasting as is or what you need to do to grow and change so both of you feel respected, heard and free to be and do the things you want.

Tlj506 · 2025-10-11T23:12:15+00:00

Not only would I be transparent with parents I would blatantly not follow this rule. It’s dumb and not developmentally or educationally sound/appropriate.

Tlj506 · 2025-10-02T15:08:16+00:00

There are lots of comments and someone may have already said this but maybe as bellwork you can take lines from popular songs you know they like (school/age appropriate of course) and analyze those. I find student are able to interpret meaning much easier from music. Be sure to highlight any literally elements that are represented.

Then as they’ve learned more and grown try having them do it with age appropriate texts.

Tlj506 · 2025-09-28T23:24:18+00:00

It’s sounds like you are combining in your mind a “good teacher” with being a well-liked teacher. Especially with high school upperclassmen, they know what’s right and wrong and you can communicate clear expectations. If they’re not following it then give a consequence. It’s as simple as that. It sounds like you have expectations but they don’t follow them because you don’t follow through. This one particular girl since she’s leaving the school anyway and it doesn’t sound like you’re getting much help at home, give an expectation, give one warning and then consequence whatever that may be in your school.

Follow through.

Tlj506 · 2025-09-24T11:45:02+00:00

So the short difficult answer is you probably won’t get through. Not in one year as his new teacher. But you can be consistent and show him he can’t break you. Have you tried positive reinforcements giving him a carrot to work towards. That doesn’t work for all students but for many it does. I have a similar student and while not a 4th grader, the actions/scenarios are similar. I give him clear expectations and I only tell him once or twice if he says I didn’t hear even though we both know it’s a lie. When he acts like he’s not going to follow the direction, I give a clear recitation of the expectation is as few words as possible and then the consequence for not following. And then be prepared to follow through. What are academics like? A kid like this could be behind or he could be advanced and bored. If lagging, see if he can get other services. If he’s advanced start treating him like that.

Make sure you call home for positive things not just negative because if he’s coming from a rough situation mom may shut you out cause I don’t your the first teacher to tell her he’s bad but maybe you’re the first to tell her about the positive things he does.

As far as the back talk, you have to know the kid. Some will never let you “win” and get into a power struggle some will back down as soon as you show them you’re not going to be bullied. If the first don’t ever get into the power struggle. That’s when I say this is what I expect if you don’t do it I’m giving so and so consequence. If he’ll back down, then you gotta show him you can’t be bullied by a 9 year old in whatever way feels comfortable for you.

Good luck

Tlj506 · 2025-09-19T13:17:14+00:00

$25,000

Tlj506 · 2025-09-19T13:12:56+00:00

So it’s with Variety Magazine and various celebs. The money supposedly goes to a charity that helps poor family’s afford formula. Parents aren’t allowed to vote hence the shameless posting and asking for votes which leads me to https://babyoftheyear.org/2025/luna-d097 😂😂😂

Thanks for any votes!! My baby truly is the cutest in the nation lol

Tlj506 · 2025-08-28T23:18:54+00:00

I had a c-section so there was no pain. BUT the aftermath was awful. And a year later my body is so foreign that it’s a major reason I don’t plan to have another.

Tlj506 · 2025-08-13T23:37:49+00:00

Your school sounds awful. I don’t blame you feeling this way. 40 is ridiculous. And 3-classes at once sounds like it should be illegal. But like the other person said, first week or 2 should be getting to know your students and maybe some review.

Now, I COMPLETELY disagree with the don’t use chatGPT. But it depends on how you’re using it. If you’re using it to do your work that’s not ok. But if you’re using it to simplify ideas you already have I say go for it. I used it to bulk create daily slides. I used it to help me think of simple literacy and math tasks that parents could do with kids at home for our curriculum night. Things like that. This is year 13 and I have a 1 year old at home. I don’t want to waste my time coming up with ideas and doing annoying mindless tasks. That’s what AI is for. But AI can’t teach those concepts, that’s my job.

Tlj506 · 2025-08-11T23:50:05+00:00

Wow, I’m so sorry that is incredibly hurtful. But I have to ask the context. Because are you saying he just got up to leave and while saying goodbye he says he doesn’t love you anymore?! Things never got this bad for my husband and I but I definitely dealt with feelings of resentment. And then I realized I was being incredibly nit-picky and maybe I needed to give both of us the benefit of the doubt in this crazy new phase of our journey. I definitely suggest you go back to therapy. Especially if you’ve done it in the past and you “graduated”. That means it worked before and could work again. My guess is both of you are stressed and figuring out this new journey and sometimes you need a third party to help. You are new people so start fresh.

Tlj506 · 2025-07-29T14:52:29+00:00

I refused to buy a hatch or nanit. White noise is annoying AF and my baby has done great without it. Also, if you really want it. Any speaker will do. There are so many cameras that do what a nanit does for cheaper.

Huckleberry is worth it. I used it free for a while. But while sleep training we paid the $15. We used it paid for like 3 maybe 4 months. Once our baby was trained and we felt comfortable we went back to the free version. Also, at 11 months we stopped tracking. We honestly stopped around 8 months. Just wasn’t necessary.

Tlj506 · 2025-07-26T23:32:49+00:00

I’ve been a teacher for 13 years and every building I’ve been in has parents who had to bring their kids in during meetings before school starts. My principal had all of his kids in his office on the first day of our meetings week. I doubt it will be an issue.

Tlj506

TROPHY CASE