parenting and education Archives

Are Milestone Tests Really Helping Our Children?

June 7, 2025 | Leave a Comment

Standardized tests have become a regular part of childhood education, with milestone tests often shaping the way schools, teachers, and even students themselves measure progress. But are these tests truly helping our children succeed—or are they just adding pressure and narrowing the definition of learning? Many parents have watched their child stress over a single test score, wondering if it really captures all their child is capable of. While assessments can serve a purpose, it’s important to examine whether milestone tests are doing more harm than good. Let’s look at the real impact of these exams on kids, learning, and long-term growth.

1. Milestone Tests Can Overemphasize Memorization

One of the biggest concerns with milestone tests is that they often prioritize rote memorization over deeper learning. Students are pushed to cram information to meet test requirements rather than truly understanding the subject. Teachers may feel pressured to teach to the test, which can result in less creative and engaging classroom activities. When kids spend more time rehearsing facts than exploring ideas, their curiosity can start to fade. This model doesn’t always promote lifelong learning—it promotes short-term score gains.

2. They Can Create Unnecessary Stress

For many children, milestone tests are a major source of anxiety. The idea that a single exam could determine their academic future—placement in gifted programs, eligibility for tutoring, or even school funding—can be overwhelming. Some students freeze up during tests, underperforming despite understanding the material. Others may experience sleep issues, headaches, or stomachaches during testing seasons. The emotional toll alone raises questions about whether milestone tests are truly helping our children or simply weighing them down.

3. Scores Don’t Tell the Whole Story

A child is more than their test score, yet milestone tests often reduce performance to a single number or letter grade. This limited metric ignores skills like creativity, collaboration, emotional intelligence, and resilience. Students who are strong writers or innovative thinkers may not shine in multiple-choice formats. Likewise, kids with learning differences or language barriers may struggle with traditional testing despite their abilities. Using test scores as the main measure of success doesn’t reflect the full spectrum of a child’s strengths.

4. Testing Can Widen Educational Gaps

While milestone tests are meant to assess and improve student outcomes, they can unintentionally increase inequality. Children from under-resourced schools may not have access to the same test prep materials or enrichment opportunities as their peers in wealthier districts. This often results in lower scores, not due to a lack of intelligence, but a lack of support. Over time, these disparities can affect school funding, teacher evaluations, and curriculum priorities. Instead of closing the gap, milestone tests can end up reinforcing it.

5. They Limit Teacher Flexibility

When curriculum is designed around testing benchmarks, teachers lose the freedom to adjust their instruction to meet the unique needs of their students. Lessons become rigid, focused on test prep rather than meaningful exploration. Teachers may feel frustrated when they can’t dive into topics their students are curious about because it “won’t be on the test.” This environment can make school less exciting for both teachers and kids. Learning becomes a checklist, not an adventure.

6. Kids Learn to Associate Worth with Scores

It’s easy for children to start believing their value as a student—or as a person—is tied to their test results. High scorers may feel constant pressure to maintain their status, while others might think they’ll never be “smart enough.” This mindset is especially harmful in younger kids, who are still forming their sense of identity. A single bad test experience can leave lasting self-doubt. Education should build confidence, not shatter it with a single Scantron.

7. Milestone Tests Don’t Reflect Real-World Skills

In adult life, few situations involve picking the right answer out of four options in silence under a time limit. Real-world skills like communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving are rarely tested through milestone exams. Projects, presentations, and collaborative tasks prepare kids far better for life beyond school. If we want to equip students for the future, we need assessments that reflect the complexity of real challenges, not just their ability to bubble in answers correctly.

8. Parents and Teachers Want More Holistic Approaches

There’s growing demand from educators and families alike for a more balanced view of student progress. Many would prefer assessments that combine class participation, long-term projects, and feedback-based evaluations. These tools give a more accurate picture of a child’s development and provide actionable steps for growth. Milestone tests, by contrast, often give delayed, generalized results. It’s no wonder more people are asking whether these tests are truly helping our children or just maintaining an outdated system.

Rethinking What Real Progress Looks Like

It’s time to start redefining how we measure success in school. Children thrive when they feel seen for who they are, not just how they score. That means listening to teachers, encouraging creativity, and embracing assessment tools that support growth instead of stifling it. Milestone tests may have their place, but they should never be the only measure of progress. Helping our children succeed means looking beyond the bubble sheet.

Do you think milestone tests are helping or hurting your child’s learning experience? Share your perspective in the comments—we’d love to hear your take.

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Catherine Reed

Catherine is a tech-savvy writer who has focused on the personal finance space for more than eight years. She has a Bachelor’s in Information Technology and enjoys showcasing how tech can simplify everyday personal finance tasks like budgeting, spending tracking, and planning for the future. Additionally, she’s explored the ins and outs of the world of side hustles and loves to share what she’s learned along the way. When she’s not working, you can find her relaxing at home in the Pacific Northwest with her two cats or enjoying a cup of coffee at her neighborhood cafe.

10 School Assignments That Left Kids Crying at the Kitchen Table

June 3, 2025 | Leave a Comment

Most parents have had that moment—you’re halfway through dinner prep when your child bursts into tears over a school assignment that’s suddenly due tomorrow. Whether it’s overly complicated, emotionally overwhelming, or simply age-inappropriate, some schoolwork creates more stress than learning. From family tree projects that leave out entire households to group work disasters and cryptic math problems, these school assignments that left kids crying aren’t as rare as you’d hope. When education becomes a nightly meltdown, it’s time to rethink the assignment’s value. Here are 10 tasks that pushed kids past their limit—right at the kitchen table.

1. The Family Tree Project That Left Kids Feeling Isolated

It may seem like a harmless tradition, but family tree assignments can cause real emotional distress for kids from non-traditional households. Children raised by grandparents, foster parents, or single parents often feel singled out or confused about how to complete the assignment. The expectation of a neat, nuclear family setup just doesn’t reflect many students’ lives. This is one of the school assignments that left kids crying because it forced them to explain deeply personal details about their families to teachers—and sometimes classmates—without consent. A more inclusive approach could turn this into a celebration of all types of family.

2. Group Projects That Turn Into Solo Suffering

Group work sounds great in theory, but in practice, it often turns into one student doing all the work while the others ghost. When grades are shared equally, the responsible student ends up stressed, overwhelmed, and sometimes unfairly blamed if things go wrong. It’s one of the classic school assignments that left kids crying from frustration and exhaustion. Teaching teamwork is important—but so is grading individual effort. Without accountability, group projects teach resentment more than collaboration.

3. The “Write About Your Weekend” Assignment After a Tough Time

This assignment can go downhill fast for kids going through family divorce, illness, or financial hardship. Imagine being asked to write about your weekend when it involved court visits or sitting in a waiting room at the hospital. These school assignments that left kids crying often stem from well-meaning teachers who don’t realize how personal the question really is. Offering topic choices instead of forcing students to dig into their home lives is a much better alternative. Privacy should never be sacrificed for a paragraph.

4. Math Worksheets with Confusing, Vague Instructions

There’s nothing more frustrating for kids—and parents—than sitting down to a math worksheet that doesn’t explain what it wants. When terms aren’t defined, steps aren’t modeled, and instructions are vague, kids feel like they’re set up to fail. These school assignments that left kids crying often result in full-on shutdowns and bedtime battles. If the parents can’t figure it out either, it’s time for schools to rethink clarity. A worksheet shouldn’t require a tutor and a prayer.

5. The Science Fair That Requires Parent-Level Engineering

What’s supposed to be a fun, hands-on learning experience often turns into a family-wide panic attack. Between tri-fold boards, hypothesis forms, supply lists, and five-step experiments, many science fairs unintentionally place huge pressure on families. These school assignments that left kids crying usually have less to do with the science and more to do with unrealistic time demands and unclear expectations. If a parent ends up doing most of the project, the learning opportunity has already been lost.

6. Book Reports on Books They Didn’t Choose

Being forced to read something boring, difficult, or emotionally triggering—and then write a full report on it—is a fast track to frustration. When students aren’t given choices, they’re far less engaged and far more likely to fall behind or give up. These school assignments that left kids crying tend to turn reading into punishment. Choice reading not only boosts enthusiasm but also improves comprehension and retention. Letting kids choose doesn’t lower the standard—it raises their engagement.

7. Timed Multiplication Tests That Feel Like a Race

For kids with test anxiety, ADHD, or slower processing speeds, timed tests can be brutal. These math “sprints” often trigger panic, even when the child knows the material. As one of the more common school assignments that left kids crying, they measure speed more than understanding. Mastery should come before memorization under pressure. There are plenty of ways to assess math skills without creating stress.

8. “Create a Poster” Projects with No Rubric

Kids get halfway through coloring a beautiful, glitter-filled masterpiece—only to find out it didn’t meet the teacher’s expectations. When criteria aren’t clear, students don’t know how to succeed. These school assignments that left kids crying often come from last-minute project announcements without structure. Rubrics aren’t just helpful—they’re necessary. They provide a roadmap so creativity doesn’t turn into confusion.

9. Personal Essays That Cross Emotional Boundaries

Writing about trauma, bullying, or personal fears can be therapeutic in some settings, but school assignments that force vulnerability can backfire. Kids may not be ready—or willing—to share painful parts of their lives, especially when grades are involved. These school assignments that left kids crying often do more harm than healing. Emotional safety matters as much as academic growth. Offering reflective options, not requirements, is a more compassionate choice.

10. Excessive Homework That Steals Family Time

When an elementary school student is buried under two hours of homework each night, something is off. Long, repetitive assignments don’t reinforce learning—they just burn kids out. These school assignments that left kids crying aren’t just hard—they’re unnecessary. Research shows that too much homework doesn’t improve outcomes for younger students. Kids need time to rest, play, and be kids.

Learning Shouldn’t Come with Tears Every Night

When school assignments are causing more emotional harm than educational benefit, it’s time to rethink the approach. Learning can be challenging—but it should also be fair, clear, and developmentally appropriate. Teachers and parents are both doing their best, but communication and flexibility can go a long way in protecting kids from unnecessary stress. Because no child should dread the kitchen table.

Has your child ever melted down over an assignment? Share the schoolwork that left your family in tears in the comments—we want to hear your stories!

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Are Anti-Bullying Programs Making Kids Better or Just Sneakier?

June 3, 2025 | Leave a Comment

Schools across the country have poured time, money, and training into anti-bullying programs, promising safer hallways, kinder classrooms, and more inclusive playgrounds. But ask any student or parent, and you’ll still hear about subtle insults, group exclusions, and quiet manipulation that rarely get caught. Which raises a tough question: Are anti-bullying programs actually changing behavior—or just teaching kids how to hide it better? While awareness is up and public bullying has decreased in many districts, some experts worry the cruelty hasn’t stopped, it’s just gone underground. Here’s a closer look at whether these programs are truly helping or simply reshaping how bullying shows up in 2025.

1. Kids Know the “Correct” Language to Use

One effect of anti-bullying programs is that kids are now very familiar with terms like respect, kindness, and empathy. They’ve heard these words in assemblies, posters, and classroom discussions for years. But knowing the language doesn’t always mean they believe it. Some students have learned to speak the right way around adults while still engaging in exclusion or manipulation behind the scenes. Anti-bullying programs often teach vocabulary before values, and smart kids quickly figure out how to game the system.

2. Bullying Has Moved Online

As schools increase supervision on campus, more bullying has simply shifted to digital spaces. Apps, group chats, and gaming platforms have become the new battlegrounds. Anti-bullying programs sometimes overlook how fast online behavior evolves, leaving kids with tools for the classroom but no guidance for Snapchat, Discord, or TikTok. It’s not that bullying disappears—it just gets smarter and harder to trace. And by the time adults catch on, the emotional damage may already be done.

3. There’s More Focus on Appearances Than Accountability

Many anti-bullying programs rely on public pledges, spirit weeks, and posters that look great on social media but don’t always change what happens day-to-day. Schools love to say they’re proactive, but when it comes to real incidents, responses can be inconsistent. Students quickly pick up on this. They learn that saying the right things in front of teachers keeps them out of trouble, even if their behavior doesn’t change. Programs that focus on looking good rather than getting real often miss the mark.

4. Some Kids Weaponize the System

Here’s a twist: some students now use anti-bullying policies against others. They may report someone for being “mean” in retaliation, or exaggerate conflicts to get others in trouble. While rare, these false claims muddy the waters and make it harder to address genuine bullying. Anti-bullying programs need to teach critical thinking, not just tattling. Without context and honest conversations, rules can become tools for control rather than protection.

5. Relational Aggression Often Goes Unnoticed

Anti-bullying programs are great at addressing obvious issues—physical fights, name-calling, and threats. But many of today’s most damaging behaviors are subtle: eye-rolls, whispering, exclusion from group chats, or social sabotage. These acts don’t leave bruises, but they leave lasting emotional scars. Unfortunately, current programs don’t always equip teachers to spot or address this kind of quiet cruelty. That’s why your child might still come home in tears, even from a school that claims to be “bully-free.”

6. Peer Pressure Is Still Alive and Well

While kids may not be stuffing each other into lockers anymore, the pressure to conform hasn’t gone anywhere. Anti-bullying programs tend to focus on individual behavior rather than the group dynamics that allow bullying to thrive. Students are often afraid to speak up, not because they don’t understand right from wrong, but because they don’t want to become the next target. Programs need to go beyond slogans and dig into the emotional courage it takes to stand alone in a crowd. Otherwise, silence and complicity stay the norm.

7. Some Kids Still Feel Unseen

Ironically, the students most in need of help sometimes feel overlooked by anti-bullying programs. Neurodivergent kids, LGBTQ+ students, and others who don’t fit the mold may find these initiatives don’t reflect their experiences. Programs that treat bullying as a one-size-fits-all problem often miss how identity, bias, and difference shape a child’s experience at school. For these kids, it’s not just about being nicer—it’s about being truly included and understood. Real change requires more than policies; it requires listening.

8. Adults Aren’t Always Trained to Handle It

Not all staff are equipped to respond effectively when bullying happens. Some dismiss it as drama, others freeze up, and a few may unintentionally reinforce power dynamics by favoring more socially skilled students. Anti-bullying programs often provide surface-level training, but don’t prepare educators for the nuance and complexity of school culture. If the adults don’t recognize bullying or respond consistently, the programs lose credibility fast. Kids can tell when their concerns aren’t taken seriously—and that’s when they stop reporting.

9. Real Change Takes More Than Assemblies

One-time presentations or colorful posters aren’t enough to build safer schools. Anti-bullying programs must be part of a larger culture shift that includes daily modeling, emotional education, and consistent consequences. Kids learn by watching how adults handle conflict, inclusion, and fairness. When the school community lives the values it promotes, students notice. Otherwise, even the best-designed programs fall flat.

If Kindness Is Taught Like a Script, Kids Will Act—Not Change

There’s no question that anti-bullying programs raise awareness—but awareness isn’t always enough. If students are only learning how to look kind rather than be kind, they’re missing the heart of the message. For programs to work, they must go deeper than surface behaviors and address the emotional, social, and cultural roots of cruelty. Until then, some kids will get sneakier, not kinder.

Do you think anti-bullying programs are working—or just teaching kids how to avoid getting caught? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below.

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These Ridiculous School Rules Are Actually Enforced in 2025

June 3, 2025 | Leave a Comment

Parents might think they’ve seen it all—until they get a call that their child was written up for humming too loudly or wearing a hoodie. In 2025, some schools have adopted rules that go beyond strict and cross the line into straight-up bizarre. While discipline and structure are important, the rise of ultra-controlled environments has many families scratching their heads. From rules about breathing too hard to banning birthday cupcakes, the policies some schools are enforcing today are as real as they are ridiculous. Let’s look at some of the most outrageous, over-the-top, and downright ridiculous school rules currently being enforced.

1. No Talking During Lunch—At All

One of the most common ridiculous school rules in 2025 is the no-talking lunch policy. In some schools, kids are expected to eat silently, without socializing, laughing, or even whispering. The reasoning? To keep the cafeteria calm and avoid food fights or disruptions. But for many students, lunch is the one break in the day to unwind and connect with friends. Silencing kids during their only real downtime creates unnecessary tension and makes school feel more like a detention center than a place for learning.

2. Banned From Bringing Their Own Water Bottles

Yes, this one is real. Some schools have implemented policies that forbid students from bringing their own water bottles from home. The concern is that students may hide prohibited substances or that outside bottles can’t be properly monitored. But this means students are often left relying on school fountains or approved branded bottles, which may not be clean or easily accessible. In an era where health and hydration are emphasized, banning reusable water bottles is one of the more baffling ridiculous school rules. It ends up punishing everyone instead of solving an isolated issue.

3. Hoodies = Detention

At many schools, simply wearing a hoodie—especially with the hood up—is a fast track to disciplinary action. Administrators claim it prevents hiding headphones or disrupts dress code standards, but for kids, hoodies are often about comfort, warmth, or sensory regulation. With no evidence that a hoodie affects learning outcomes, these rigid rules have left many parents and students frustrated. In colder climates and drafty classrooms, banning hoodies just seems petty. It’s a dress code choice that says more about control than classroom focus.

4. Hand-Holding Is “Public Display of Affection”

A few districts now consider hand-holding—yes, even between friends or siblings—a violation of PDA rules. In schools enforcing this, students can receive warnings or even disciplinary write-ups for what used to be considered harmless or supportive behavior. These policies are often enforced inconsistently and can make kids feel shamed for showing affection or empathy. While inappropriate behavior should be addressed, lumping hand-holding in with making out sends the wrong message. It teaches kids to suppress connection rather than express kindness.

5. No Backpacks in Classrooms

To reduce clutter or minimize the risk of contraband, some schools have implemented a no-backpacks-in-classroom policy. Students are expected to carry only what they need or use clear bags provided by the school. The problem? Kids end up juggling armfuls of supplies, losing things in the hallway, or being late to class because of extra locker trips. It’s another example of ridiculous school rules that create more hassle than safety. Organization should be taught—not made more difficult.

6. Assigned Bathroom Times

Some schools have started enforcing rigid bathroom schedules, where students are only allowed to go at designated times. Need to go between periods or during a lesson? Too bad. While the rule aims to prevent hallway roaming or phone use, it often leads to unnecessary discomfort or embarrassment. These policies ignore the fact that every child’s body is different—and that emergencies aren’t always predictable. Punishing kids for basic needs isn’t discipline, it’s micromanagement.

7. No Celebrating Birthdays

Gone are the days of cupcakes and birthday songs in some schools, which now ban all birthday celebrations during class time. The justification is to prevent food allergies, time disruption, or “exclusion.” But removing even a simple acknowledgment—like allowing a sticker or birthday pencil—has made school environments feel overly sanitized. While inclusivity matters, many parents and students feel these bans go too far. It’s a small joy that could be managed, not erased.

8. Zero-Tolerance for Pencil Dropping

Believe it or not, students in some schools have been disciplined for intentionally dropping pencils. Administrators argue that it’s used to create distractions or signal classmates during tests. While it’s true that some students use subtle antics to disrupt, treating a dropped pencil as a criminal act stretches logic. Not every action needs to be policed with zero tolerance. It’s another one of those ridiculous school rules where common sense would go a long way.

9. No Running… Even Outside

In some elementary schools, students are prohibited from running during recess. That’s right—recess, the time meant for physical play, comes with a “no running” rule. School officials cite injury prevention or crowd control, but kids are being punished for doing what comes naturally. It contradicts everything we know about child development and healthy activity. When a school bans running during free time, it’s not just ridiculous—it’s counterproductive.

10. No Talking in Hallways Between Classes

Finally, some schools have implemented silent transitions, where kids are expected to move between classes without speaking. The goal is to maintain order, but it creates a robotic and cold environment. Talking is how kids connect, decompress, and feel human between academic demands. Enforcing silence in the hallways is not only unrealistic, it’s damaging to school culture. Of all the ridiculous school rules, this one feels especially out of touch with real child behavior.

When Common Sense Gets Left Behind

Rules are supposed to keep kids safe and help them learn—but when enforcement becomes overzealous, schools risk creating joyless environments that do more harm than good. These ridiculous school rules show how policies can quickly go from reasonable to extreme, leaving students stressed and families frustrated. Parents have the power to speak up when policies don’t make sense. Because if we want kids to thrive, school needs to feel like a place built for humans, not robots.

Has your child’s school enforced a rule that made you do a double take? Share the most ridiculous school rules you’ve encountered in the comments!

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Here’s What Your Child’s Summer School Teacher Wish You’d Tell Them About Your Kid

June 3, 2025 | Leave a Comment

Summer school isn’t just about catching up—it’s about helping kids grow in a more relaxed, focused setting. But no matter how dedicated your child’s summer school teacher is, they can’t support your child fully without knowing a few key things first. Many teachers walk into summer sessions with little background and limited time to build relationships. That’s where parents come in. The more you share up front, the better chance your child has to thrive—not just academically, but emotionally and socially too.

1. What Motivates (or Discourages) Your Child

One of the most helpful things you can tell your child’s summer school teacher is what truly gets your child engaged. Whether it’s sticker charts, verbal praise, quiet time, or one-on-one check-ins, understanding what motivates your child helps teachers shape the learning environment in their favor. On the flip side, knowing what shuts your child down—like being put on the spot or public correction—can prevent avoidable stress. Summer school moves fast, and teachers don’t have the luxury of weeks to figure it out. Your insight saves them time and spares your child unnecessary frustration.

2. Any Diagnosed or Suspected Learning Differences

Even if summer school isn’t tied to an IEP, 504, or formal plan, sharing learning differences gives your child’s teacher a crucial head start. Whether it’s ADHD, dyslexia, sensory challenges, or emotional regulation struggles, your child’s summer school teacher needs to know. Don’t assume the school will automatically pass that information along—communication often slips through the cracks between school years. Letting teachers know how your child learns best sets them up for success. It also helps the teacher interpret behavior through the right lens.

3. What They Struggled With Last School Year

Summer school teachers often get vague notes or generic placement info—but not much detail. If your child struggled with math facts, reading fluency, or paying attention in group settings, sharing that directly with the teacher helps focus their efforts. Knowing where your child hit a wall last year can guide how their teacher reintroduces concepts or fills in gaps. The goal isn’t to label your child—it’s to give their teacher a map instead of a guessing game. A quick heads-up can make all the difference in building momentum instead of repeating past struggles.

4. Social Dynamics They’re Navigating

Social stress doesn’t take a summer vacation. If your child is dealing with bullying, exclusion, anxiety in group settings, or struggles with making friends, your child’s summer school teacher should know. Even if the summer school environment is different, those patterns often carry over. Letting the teacher know if your child thrives in small groups, needs help with social cues, or has a frenemy in class helps them stay ahead of potential conflicts. This allows for intentional seating, grouping, and support before issues escalate.

5. Major Life Changes at Home

Summer school often follows big family transitions—moves, divorces, new siblings, or loss. Even happy changes can throw a child off emotionally. Your child’s summer school teacher doesn’t need all the details, but a quick note saying, “We’ve had a tough couple of months at home,” goes a long way. It helps the teacher understand mood swings, focus issues, or behavior changes with more compassion. Teachers aren’t there to fix it, but knowing the context makes it easier to meet your child where they are.

6. What Makes Them Feel Safe and Comfortable

Sometimes it’s the small stuff that helps the most—like knowing your child feels calmer when they can bring a fidget toy or that they thrive with a consistent routine. Maybe they’re shy about asking for help or feel anxious when the classroom is too loud. These little cues can make your child’s summer school teacher a better ally from day one. When your child feels seen and supported early, they’re more likely to participate and make real progress. You know what helps them regulate—share it.

7. How They Feel About Summer School in the First Place

Some kids are excited about summer learning. Others feel embarrassed, angry, or defeated before they even walk in the door. If your child is dreading it or has had negative school experiences in the past, let the teacher know. Your child’s summer school teacher isn’t there to judge—they’re there to help shift the mindset. With the right encouragement, even reluctant learners can finish the session with a win.

8. What You’re Hoping They Gain From the Experience

Are you looking for academic progress, confidence, structure, or just a smoother transition into next year? Your child’s summer school teacher may be focused on skill-building, but knowing your family’s goals can help tailor the approach. Whether it’s reading a level higher or simply not melting down during math, communicating your priorities sets everyone up for clarity. Teachers want to partner with parents—not guess what matters most. When expectations are clear, wins are easier to spot.

9. Anything That’s Been Working Well at Home

If you’ve recently found something that’s helping your child stay calm, focused, or excited about learning—say it! Whether it’s a visual schedule, noise-canceling headphones, or reading together before class, your child’s summer school teacher might be able to carry that momentum into the classroom. Even if the teacher can’t duplicate it exactly, they can often find a similar strategy that aligns with your child’s routine. It’s a great way to show continuity between home and school life, especially in a short-term setting.

Your Voice Helps the Summer Shine Brighter

Your child’s summer school experience doesn’t have to feel like a chore—for them or for their teacher. The more openly you share, the better your child’s summer school teacher can support them, guide their growth, and make learning feel empowering instead of overwhelming. It’s a short window of time, but the impact can last long after summer ends. Be their advocate now so they can be their best self later.

What’s one thing you’ve found helpful to share with a teacher before summer school starts? Drop your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear!

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Should Teachers Be Paid More For Helping to Raise Our Children? The Answer Might Surprise You

May 28, 2025 | Leave a Comment

Teachers do far more than deliver lesson plans and grade papers—they shape lives. They’re the ones who wipe tears, mediate conflicts, give pep talks, and notice when something seems off. For seven or more hours a day, five days a week, teachers become role models, mentors, and in many ways, co-parents to the children in their classrooms. So when people ask, should teachers be paid more for helping to raise our children?, it’s not just a question about salaries—it’s a question about how we value the people shaping the next generation.

1. Teachers Are Expected to Wear Multiple Hats

Today’s teachers aren’t just educators—they’re counselors, mediators, nurses, and social workers, often all before lunchtime. They handle everything from minor cuts to major emotional meltdowns while still trying to meet curriculum benchmarks. When we consider whether teachers should be paid more, we need to look at the ever-growing list of roles they’re expected to take on. This isn’t just about academics anymore. They’re helping raise children in the truest sense.

2. Emotional Support is a Daily Requirement

Whether it’s comforting a child who’s having a rough morning or noticing signs of neglect, teachers are deeply involved in students’ emotional wellbeing. They create safe spaces, provide stability, and sometimes become the only trusted adult a child has. Should teachers be paid more for being the frontline support system for kids who struggle? Many would argue yes, especially since they’re doing this in addition to teaching math or science. The emotional labor involved is immense—and often invisible.

3. Out-of-Pocket Spending Has Become the Norm

Teachers regularly dip into their own paychecks to buy classroom supplies, snacks, and hygiene items for their students. They fill gaps left by underfunded school systems, often without complaint. When debating whether teachers should be paid more, consider that many already subsidize their own classrooms. Their love for their students keeps them going, but that love shouldn’t cost them financially. No other profession asks employees to fund basic resources from their own pocket.

4. The Demands Go Far Beyond the Classroom

The work doesn’t stop at the last bell. Lesson planning, parent communication, grading, and professional development eat into evenings and weekends. The idea that teachers “get summers off” ignores the countless hours spent prepping, recertifying, or working second jobs. Should teachers be paid more for this kind of commitment? Absolutely—because they’re often working a 50-hour week on a 40-hour paycheck. The effort they put in after-hours directly impacts student success.

5. Teachers Often Fill Parenting Gaps

In homes where parents are juggling multiple jobs or going through tough times, teachers step up in quiet, powerful ways. They teach manners, responsibility, empathy, and resilience. They help children process grief, build confidence, and learn to believe in themselves. Should teachers be paid more for the emotional and developmental support they provide? If we agree that raising children is a team effort, then the answer feels obvious.

6. Burnout is at an All-Time High

Teaching isn’t just demanding—it’s exhausting. Many educators report feeling overwhelmed, unsupported, and underappreciated. High levels of burnout are leading to teacher shortages across the country. When asking should teachers be paid more, it’s not just about money—it’s about retaining talented people who are leaving the profession in droves. Better pay could mean better mental health, better retention, and ultimately, better outcomes for kids.

7. Society Trusts Teachers With Our Greatest Responsibility

We trust teachers to educate, nurture, and protect our children—arguably the most important job there is. And yet, the financial compensation often doesn’t reflect that trust. Teachers shape how our children see the world, themselves, and their place in it. Should teachers be paid more? If we value the role they play in shaping the future, it’s hard to argue otherwise.

Paying Teachers What They’re Worth Is Investing in Our Kids

The debate over whether teachers should be paid more isn’t just about paychecks—it’s about priorities. If we truly believe children deserve quality education and care, then we must also believe the people delivering that experience deserve fair, competitive compensation. Teachers are doing far more than teaching—they’re helping to raise and guide a generation. The question isn’t can we afford to pay them more—it’s can we afford not to?

Do you think teachers are fairly paid for everything they do? What would you change about the system if you could? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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