I have failed as a teacher

The birth of my daughter has made me a much better teacher.

Had you asked me prior to parenthood if this would be the case, I would have said that you were crazy. 

It's so hard to know what you do not know.   

Here's one way that I have become a better teacher as a result of my daughter:

Clara's preschool teacher loves her.  It is clear through her words and deeds that she loves loves our daughter a great deal. 

Perhaps as much as we do.

Her love is a gift to Clara, but it is also a gift to us.  The knowledge that the person teaching your daughter is someone who loves her unconditionally is a remarkably powerful and reassuring thing.

It's one of the best things I know. 

And it has left me thinking that although I love my students almost as much as I love my own child, I probably haven't done a good enough job conveying this sentiment to their parents.

I have failed to offer them the gift that Clara's teacher has given to us. 

So now I know. 

Now I know how to become a better teacher. 

And I think it is a lesson than can only be truly understood by becoming a parent yourself.