Published on 12:00 AM, September 24, 2020

What it’s like being the teacher’s kid

Photo: ORCHID CHAKMA

Do you know what it feels like to be yelled at by your teacher? Do you know how it feels if that teacher also happens to be your mom?

Growing up, either you or your friend has had their mom or dad teach at the same school that you are enrolled in. And sometimes, that results in them teaching one of your classes. Our friends think that this is the dream and us, well, we have a different take.

You are all-knowing

You're the first of your friends to know of all decisions made by the school. For you, it's as easy as having a nice chat with your mom after a day of work. It'll all come tumbling out as she tells you of the discussion at work. And bam! You know about the holidays and you can let your friends know before the notice is out.

The best part is, you also tend to overhear a lot of the gossip about the other teachers which you can then share with your friends. Don't lie, you've done it.

Mom's friend group is a nightmare

This can be both an advantage and a disadvantage. The benefit is that any confusion you have about homework or tests can be sorted out with a phone call from your mom to your teacher. Where, among all the gossip and laughter, she can expertly extract the information you need.

It also means that whenever mom's friends are over, you have to hide out in your room because let's face it, it's horribly awkward to meet your teacher outside of school.

No credit

For those who work hard to earn a good grade, then have to face this cheeky comment, "Well, of course you did well. She's your mom!"

This is by far the biggest disadvantage, because no matter how hard you study, you rarely get credit for doing well. People always think you had the upper hand, whereas you were held up in your room studying just as hard as everyone else.

There is no escape

Since your mom is your teacher, this means lectures and corrections are all done right at home. The fine line between being a teacher and a mother often blurs when the teacher lives with you. You'll be called to her room on the weekends so she can point out your mistake on the test you sat for last week.

Double trouble

Your friends keep secrets from you because you're the teacher's kid. And you have to play both the roles. Your life becomes a revolving door of when to act like your mom's kid and when to act like a friend. You create two versions of yourselves to deal with different circumstances.

There's a lot to learn from being the teacher's kid. You learn how to balance two sides to your life and maintain drastically different relationships. This will come in handy when you're older. Until then, enjoy the perks!

Syeda Erum Noor is dangerously oblivious and has no sense of time. Send help at erum.noor1998@gmail.com