Hi There!
I'm Kathleen...
I am a mom of four and a first grade teacher.
It’s hard and stressful and exhausting and messy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
My passion is providing moms with the tools they need to help their kids build a love of learning, right from the start. I'm also passionate about all things mom. I want to help moms feel confident in their ability to be the best mom they can be, and know that it's totally ok (and normal!) to not always be at our best.
My Background
I have been a teacher for over 20 years. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, and a Master of Science in Special Education (Severe Disabilities). I have focused my career on children ages birth through second grade.
My Family
My four children were born in the span of eight years, and keep me parenting in multiple stages of development at once. My sons are 15 and 13 and my daughters are 10 and 7. They make life nothing short of interesting!
My oldest, A, is doing an incredible job finding himself in his teen years (with many ups and downs of course).
Next is M, and he’s an athletic go getter who never sits still (except to play video games).
E is all about the arts-dance, music, theater, drawing, writing. Oh, and how can I forget the 'tween obsession with skin care.
My youngest A, is silly, determined, a talented gymnast, and loves to document everything that happens around her. She is one of the most strong willed children I have ever met. (Someday it will serve her well. Until then…lots of wine!)
I know with absolute certainty that I wouldn’t be able to do it all without my husband by my side. He’s been my rock for the last 24 blessed, challenging, fulfilling, special years (15 married). He’s the creative one, I’m the neurotic one. He’s the thinker I’m the doer. I like to say we balance each other out.
I Know Your Struggle!
I remember the days when I was sending my oldest son to school for the first time, before I had a network of “mom friends”, how overwhelming it was and how alone I felt.
Yes, even for a teacher mom who thought I knew what I was doing.
I struggled with the tears he shed Every. Single. Day. for 2 years of preschool (literally, until the last day.)
I wondered if my next son would get “in trouble” for not being able to sit still or follow directions with his energetic personality.
I feared that my daughter wasn’t ready to start school because she has a summer birthday and was young for her grade.
I labored over the guilt I felt for sending our youngest to a home daycare instead of with a nanny because we couldn’t afford the nanny anymore.
Then, my perspective changed...
Then, I put on my teacher hat. Then I looked at things from the other side.
He stopped crying not more than 10 seconds after he entered the building Every. Single. Day.
His teacher focused his energy (and fostered his ability to follow directions) through giving him jobs to do in the classroom.
She was more than ready because of her determined personality.
She thrived at the home daycare because instead of being home alone with a nanny, she had other kids to play with (where my older children had each other with the nanny).
I Believe, I Understand, and I Know...
that we are all doing the best we can, and that IS enough.
that no one should feel alone as a parent.
that what is taught in schools today feels foreign (and/or totally developmentally inappropriate)
that parents sometimes question what happens in the classroom.
that you need a community and support system to help you on your parenting journey. WE ALL DO.
that you are a great mom.
Being a mom is hard!
It’s the hardest job we’ll ever have. And, it’s even harder when you feel like you don’t know what you’re doing, or feel alone, with no one to provide you with the knowledge and support you need.
You want to be an incredible mom. You want to give your child the foundation they need to do great in school. But you’re not sure exactly what you should be doing at home.
That’s where CalmTeacherMom comes in!
On this website you will find the knowledge that I have gained over the years as both a mom and a teacher.
When you visit CalmTeacherMom you will find strategies, tools, resources, tips and tricks for mothering and navigating school life!
Welcome, and I hope you'll stay awhile!
