Career Beyond Motherhood?

Yesterday I took James along to an open day at the school nursery where he will be starting in January. He absolutely loved it.

As much as he loves the pre-school he goes to now, this place is double the size and has twice as much for him to do. Liam also loved running around and joining in. They loved the sand and water tables, playing outside. Liam just enjoyed the freedom and a chance to run about playing with new toys. James made a fathers day card, helped make fairy cakes by getting in and stirring the ingredients as they all took it in turns at having a go. This nursery is a little more educational based than the one he goes to at present but it's all in preparation for the following year. It was great and I do think that he will love it there. Liam certainly would if he was old enough.

Being only 10.5 months between them, Liam really does not see himself as the younger brother. He wants to and does do everything James does and on the odd occassion he can't he really does get frustrated and upset with the world. He has a little temper on him too but it's how he expresses those feelings as best as he can.

Seeing all the 3-5 year olds in the classroom (it's nursery and reception mixed) made me feel all warm inside. One little boy asked me a couple of times if he could have a snack and was a little upset that his friend didn't want to play his game. He wanted to play something else. I was torn between thinking of  possible futures working in a school. One where I can work part time as a parent helper and help the children do small things, play and just be there for them. I could also go into higher classes as a parent helper and listen to children in years 1 & 2 read. Then I began thinking a little more about being in the classroom.

Would I like to be a TA? (Teaching Assistant)

It's 3 years before the children will be in full time education so I could start training for qualifications in my spare time and study from home. From Jan 2013 when Liam begins, I can help out in class and get some general experience.

I should be driving by then so hopefully I can get to any school to work and I wouldn't have to be restricted to our one village school.

I think I should have  a good old chat with my mother in law. She's suggested it before as she thinks I would do well working with children and being a teacher knows what I should be doing to looking at it as a future career.

It's like life is coming back full circle.

When I was little, I wanted to be a nurse or a teacher.

When I left school I was going to do a nursery nurse course, but it never happened. I got a job at the last minute instead as I was working part time on a good wage and would miss the money being a student. I always loved children and wanted to work with them. Now seems to be the right time to really start thinking of my future.

I would be happy working in a shop but I want to give something back to someone else.

A childs education is one of the most important things in it's life and if I could make the smallest of differences, it would be great.

I would even be prepared for further training to work with special needs or disabled children should there be a school for them nearby.

Of course, it's also practical to have holidays at the same time as my kids and the hours are more mother-child friendly than being an actual teacher. But there's nothing to stop me further training in the future should I want to go into teaching at a later date.

Watch this space.