Subbing at a school and tips on organizing your life
By Carmela
@Carmelanirel2 (8084)
United States
October 16, 2018 8:43am CST
This is for @AmbiePam and anyone else who kindly respond to my posts, even if they can't help me with my situation.
Some of you may remember that many years ago I had taken a test to become a paraprofessional but because I didn't have previous work experience, I was never called in for an interview.
Well, fast forward, I have gotten my associates degree and have been volunteering at the local library since Jan.
Last spring I requested an interview for a position, but I am starting out as a substitute and that is what I did. Then after submitting my resume and paying for a background check, I started getting calls last month for various classrooms.
I have worked in 3 different locations. I have helped out at preschools (my favorite) a handicap classroom (Not my favorite, mostly because of me, I get frustrated when I can't communicate with someone and many of the students don't talk) and then my "okay" building is where students who can't attend a regular classroom (either behavior issues or on probation) and the ages range from kindergarten to high school. I have my favorites there, like I prefer the elementary class, (even though I deal with things being thrown at me or risking taking a few punches) or being in charge of the room where the kids are not behaving or doing their work (like a time out room) . I actually started to bond with a girl there because it was just her and I for a full week. |
So, I have been busy, and now I am trying to set up a system to get my family to help around the house more. Even though I am not full time (I am only called if needed and i got no call today) it is overwhelming to try to keep the house clean.
That said, I wouldn't mind ANY tips on working outside the home, keeping the house clean and cooking meals. I have my husband and 2 sons, (all who either work or go to school) and want to include them in helping me. I am trying to set up a chore chart, but not sure if that will work or not...
6 people like this
8 responses
@LadyDuck (472004)
• Switzerland
17 Oct 18
It's hard to work in three different locations and then to have also to take care of the house, cleaning and cooking. We are only two in my family, my husband and I, we worked together as self employed and, to be honest, I have never been able to get a little help from my husband.
2 people like this
@Carmelanirel2 (8084)
• United States
17 Oct 18
You wouldn't believe what a mess a teenager can make. If it was just my husband and I, it probably wouldn't be so bad.
1 person likes this
@Carmelanirel2 (8084)
• United States
18 Oct 18
@LadyDuck Yep, they can be messy.. 
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (472004)
• Switzerland
18 Oct 18
@Carmelanirel2 I know what a mess a teenager can make, I remember the bedroom of our niece.
1 person likes this
@Steveecary1219 (17)
•
16 Oct 18
Honestly what works for us as a busy family of three little boys. (One who is very active in sports, and one who is autistic)I use a crockpot generally 3 days a week those are usually on football nights or something similar. As for chores each of my three boys have a simple task in the morning (garbage, wiping the table, and wiping countertops). Then after school they each have two tasks that have to be done by a certain time. They do not have to do them at a certain time they just have to have them done by 5. We do everything in time slots. Kids are capable of doing all sorts of different chores. Aside from having daily chores they also have weekly chores (windows, baseboards, light switches, chair rails, bathroom, etc.)
2 people like this
@Carmelanirel2 (8084)
• United States
16 Oct 18
Oh, I love the "do not have to do them at a certain time they just have to have them done by 5." idea, or even by the end of the week for weekly chores. 
1 person likes this
@Carmelanirel2 (8084)
• United States
16 Oct 18
@Steveecary1219 That sounds like me, I love a routine to get things done, but unfortunately my guys are spontaneous, so we clash a lot...
1 person likes this
@Steveecary1219 (17)
•
16 Oct 18
@Carmelanirel2 my boys are pretty spontaneous as well, but if I get off of our schedule they sure let me know ??
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (93791)
• United States
16 Oct 18
You have done a lot! I'd be afraid to work with the kids with behavioral problems because of someone hit me I might lose my temper.
Don't you wish they would have the compassion to help you out on their own? Although, that is rare of guys. My late mom had to teach my dad to help out. It benefits his new wife. She's all the time telling me about how much he does around the house. I'm like, you should have seen him before my mom got a hold of him!
1 person likes this
@Carmelanirel2 (8084)
• United States
16 Oct 18
I did stay away from the one kid who did punch my arm last week when I was in the room this week and he again went to punching, but the other aide got it. However, he is only 6 years old, it isn't like he can hit hard and I don't mind that as much as not being able to connect or communicate, that is what makes me frustrated.
I know it is rare for guys to help out, but when my boys are on their own, they need to know how to cook and clean and G-d forbid I die first, my husband will have to learn to everything on his own too.
1 person likes this
@changjiangzhibin89 (16785)
• China
25 Oct 18
It seems to be a tough job that involves working in 3 different locations and dealing with handicapped students.How far the 3 different locations are away from you?
1 person likes this
@changjiangzhibin89 (16785)
• China
31 Oct 18
@Carmelanirel2 It is great you finally got a permanent full time position at the school.You are so kind to those children and love your job.
1 person likes this
@Carmelanirel2 (8084)
• United States
4 Nov 18
@changjiangzhibin89 Well, there has been some changes. When I started, the teacher wasn't there and I was given wrong information on dealing with this student and when the teacher came back Wednesday, she wasn't happy with me. But I will see how it goes tomorrow on whether I am still there or not.
1 person likes this
@Carmelanirel2 (8084)
• United States
31 Oct 18
The school that is is further away is only a 20 minute drive, the other two were about 5 and 10 minutes away. However, I haven't had a chance to create a post yet, but since last Monday I have a permanent full time position at the school that is only 10 minutes away. I have a student I am one on one with, but if he isn't there I could be placed in another classroom, or if the class isn't full, I can still be removed out, but I am hoping we can bond so I can help him with some issues he has. I really like it, and I am teaching myself some sign language (the child is mute) and teaching him as well because I don't think his parents use sign language to communicate with him.
1 person likes this
@PatZAnthony (14749)
• Charlotte, North Carolina
19 Oct 18
Oh, yes to the chore chart! Several we know assign one day to each person rather than dividing the work.
Others we know have one person always making dinner, another always cleans up after meals, one does lawn while everyone does their own laundry.
Have fun!
1 person likes this
@Carmelanirel2 (8084)
• United States
19 Oct 18
Thanks, I am haven't set it up yet, and hope I get the support of my husband, because he is already saying things like "don't push them" 
@JudyEv (341820)
• Rockingham, Australia
17 Oct 18
I hesitate to give any advice as I was never very successful in getting any help around the house. You could try having a discussion/meeting and putting forward your views/asking for theirs. Or just presenting it too them as a choice thing - do you want to the bathrooms or cook the evening meal once a week or whatever. And if you have a heavy week, lower your standards a little. Don't iron what doesn't need it for instance.
1 person likes this
@Carmelanirel2 (8084)
• United States
17 Oct 18
I've tried meetings, it goes in one ear and out the other. I don't want to give them choices, because they would pick easy jobs, leaving me with the bigger jobs and considering how today went, I don't want to do anything.
1 person likes this
@Carmelanirel2 (8084)
• United States
18 Oct 18
@JudyEv Unfortunately that will leave me without a meal and a messy house. I'm not doing that, especially now that I don't have the time or energy to cook and clean like I did. They either work with me, or the adult one moves out and the minor one gets a job to pay for someone to cook and clean...
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (341820)
• Rockingham, Australia
18 Oct 18
@Carmelanirel2 Include the bigger jobs in their choices. Or just bite the bullet, say you're too tired to cook - if they want a meal they'll have to get it themselves - but I guess they'd just make do with junk food them. I hope someone else has some suggestions that will work.
1 person likes this
@shaggin (72190)
• United States
16 Oct 18
I do not work outside the home and I struggle to keep up so I have huge admiration for anyone who is about to work, take care of their family with love and keep their house clean and under control. My boyfriend works and his son is paid $10 a week to feed the dogs, scoop the poop out of the beagels kennel, take the garbage out and burn it and do the dishes. I do all the housework the only thing my kids have to do is put their dirty dishes in the sink and in the clothes hamper. My daughter at 14 does have to put her clean clothes away. If I worked I think I would have to have them do more chores to help me.
1 person likes this
@Carmelanirel2 (8084)
• United States
16 Oct 18
That is how I raised my 3 older kids, but now that I had to get a job, my youngest will have to take on more responsibility, which he said he would, but he needs guidance.
1 person likes this
@Friendlypink (3805)
•
16 Oct 18
They just need to do the golden rule. when you use it put it back where it was placed. when you use utensils wash it after. and there is always a ready to reheeat food inside the fridge for them not o have a hard time cooking and messing up the kitchen. lol.
1 person likes this
@Carmelanirel2 (8084)
• United States
16 Oct 18
I also have them cleaning bathrooms and vacuuming, etc. But interesting you mention that Golden Rule, I have had that up on my refrigerator for a couple years, I don't think it is working. 
