On borrowed time

       It is a terrifying thought.  Some teacher, some person you don't know is going to be with your child eight hours a day for the next 36 weeks! They are going to be solely responsible for your child's happiness and wellbeing for the major part of every day. You wonder if they are going to like your child. Are they going to be kind, be fair, be understanding? You are literally turning over your most precious possession in the entire world to a complete stranger.
       Tonight when you tuck your baby into bed and pause at the doorway for one more look, know that tomorrow, you will leave them in good hands. We teachers know your fears and we know your uncertainty.  I will understand when you linger near the classroom door not wanting to leave.  I know you may park down the street and watch from a distance as the kids file out for recess.  And most importantly, I know you are loaning me, for a precious few months, your whole world.
       Our days will be filled with spelling words, and counting blocks, crayons, scissors, and glue sticks.  But they will also be filled with laughter and stories, funny faces, skinned knees, and hurt feelings.  I will be there to wipe noses, tie shoes, zip zippers, and straighten pony tails.  I will give reminders to wash hands, and share materials.  I will mediate playground disagreements, and make suggestions for better choices.  But most important, I will love them like their mine, knowing it's on borrowed time. 
       There are going to be times I will correct and discipline them.  They will make mistakes and I will help them learn from them.  They will get in trouble for talking too much and playing in the bathroom.  They will scream in the cafeteria, and run in the hallway. They will throw a rock across the playground, and  say something not very nice to a classmate.  I will mark on their card or make them move their clip but most important, I will love them like their mine, knowing it's on borrowed time.
       On the days that lunch boxes get left in backseats and library books have gone missing, I'll  make sure they buy a lunch tray and help them search their desk and backpack.  On the days that homework isn't returned and P.E. shoes have been forgotten, I'll smile and remind myself that being six is a lot of work and we just won't sweat the small stuff.  On the days that little eyes are sleepy and tummies kind of hurt, I'll have extra hugs to give and will demand a little less.  But most important, when your kids walk through my door, I will love them like their mine, knowing it's on borrowed time. 
       So on those occasions when I make a mistake (and I will)  treat me with the same kindness I have shown your child.  When the day comes that I forget to send home a spelling contract be understanding.  It will be the same day that I forget to eat lunch.  On the day that I don't respond quickly enough to your email, remind yourself that I probably haven't had the chance to use the bathroom since 7:45 that morning.  When I enter a grade wrong try to understand that 22 children with 5 subjects and countless assignments can occasionally get keyed in wrong.  I am more than willing to correct any mistakes I make.  Just politely bring it to my attention.  If your waiting for me at my classroom door first thing in the morning to discuss something you feel I've done wrong, soften the blow with a Diet Coke from Sonic.  I will forever be in your debt.  And always remember, I love your child like their mine, knowing it's on borrowed time. 
       Tomorrow morning you are going to take your baby to school and entrust them to their teacher for the next nine months.  And we teachers know, that while they are rightfully yours, we have the privilege and honor of loving them like our own even though it's just a loan.