Your child's preschool teacher(s): do you have to love 'em or just like 'em?

[Anonymous]

Just wondering. A friend was telling me that she is lukewarm on her DD's preschool teachers, so she's considering switching her to another class or even another school. Apparently, they are not particularly chatty or touchy-feely, though she is. I asked her if she feels safe with her DD in their class; she said yes, they are competent and kind to the kids, and that DD has fun, but she just doesn't see them as as effusive as some of the other teachers. She was asking me my opinion; I said she should do what she thinks is best, but I didn't weigh in on the specific issue, beyond saying that I thought she should give it more time before making a decision. Would you switch your child in this circumstance? I don't think I would.

[Anonymous]

No, I wouldn't switch. Between birth and kindergarten, my kids each went through probably 17 caregivers and teachers (several in each room, not turnover). If my standard were that I had to love the teacher, I would have gone crazy trying to find new places for my kids. And, when you hit kindergarten, you don't get to move just because you don't like the teacher so you might was well get used to the idea when they are young.

Now, if I thought my kids had been/were unsafe or unhappy or if the daycare/preschool lacked good programming, I'd have moved my kids.

[Anonymous]

It will be a long long long life if one does not allow others to be different from them. If there are deep, fundamental concerns and differences, it is worth looking into, otherwise, different personalities are GOOD for your kids.

[Anonymous]

Our son has 4 teachers and I love 3 of the 4 - the 4th one rarely smiles, rarely talks, is very standoffish, and is often sitting. But the other 3 more than make up for it (kind, polite, engaging, etc.) I am leaving him where he is. I don't feel he is in danger with #4, and given that there is always at least 2 other teachers around - he is fine.

[Anonymous]

Last year I loved one of my DS's teachers and thought the other was "ok". I often ask my son questions trying to get him to admit a similar preference. Didn't happen. He loved both teachers and my guess is that they provided different things to him and perhaps were also a little different with him vs. when me, "the parent" wasn't around. I would also hate to keep yanking my kid out of a situation that wasn't perfect. Its not real life.