Them – during the day

How old are you? What are your kids names? What time is lunch? Do we get fruit break? Miss Watson can I please go to the toilet? I have a sore foot. Can I go to the toilet? Where are the toilets? I drew this picture for you Mrs Watson. I miss my mum. How long until lunch? I love you. What’s your name again? I like your lace top Mrs Watson. Is it supposed to have holes in it? When are we going to do real work? Is Grade 2 hard? Someone pulled my hair. I don’t like this sandwich. My leg hurts. Miss Watson. Hi. Can we have free time? What’s your favourite colour? Mrs Kelly, I mean Mrs Watson, did you brush your hair today? Can we listen to that song again? Can I bring my pets in? Are unicorns real?

Me – during the day

One small soy latte thanks. Actually make it large.
I’m 21 (ha). I don’t have my own kids, so for the year you get to be ‘my kids’. Yes you can call me your ‘school mum’. Is it chocolate o’clock yet? Yes you can go to the toilet, make it quick. Don’t run. Don’t worry there is always time to sing a song. You’re allowed to miss mum, she’ll be missing you too, but she would want you to be smiling, don’t you think? Are you hot in that jumper? How long until lunch? I like the way you put your hand up. Can we agree to make this a safe place to take risks, where no one laughs if we get an answer wrong? Good. You’ll be fine. I’ll keep an eye on you. I like all colours, oh, you’re making me a picture, in that case I like blue. Please stop ‘Mrs Watson-ing’ me. Brush it off, it’s not a big deal. Mmm that play dough pizza is delicious. No, you can’t play inside at lunchtime. If by pet, you mean dog, then yes pets can visit. Hell yeah, unicorns are real. Aren’t they?

Them – during gratitude time

I’m thankful for a good first day. I’m grateful for seeing my friends. I love my new teacher. I love school. (Phew!)

Me – practising gratitude all day

They’re working so quietly. They’re happy. A hug already, how lucky am I? Man, I’m going to love these kids.

Yeah, I miss the beach, but god it’s good to be back.