During my nine years in education, I encountered my fair share of students who became frustrated, even angry, when I didn’t respond to their late-night or weekend emails. They often sent frantic messages about printer issues or computer glitches erasing their work, filled with all-caps text and exclamation marks expressing their distress. When I didn’t reply—because I was resting or spending time with my family—their irritation only grew.
As a former educator and a mom of four, I genuinely appreciate my children’s teachers for not responding to emails on weekends, evenings, or holidays. When I do reach out during these times, I make it clear that I don’t expect a response right away, understanding that they deserve to maintain boundaries around their time.
Many parents express frustration—often seen on social media—when teachers don’t reply within minutes of receiving an email. My take? Kudos to the teachers. They are often overworked and underpaid, pursuing their passion for teaching while also balancing their own lives. It’s disheartening when parents and older students feel entitled to a teacher’s constant availability. The best response from a teacher in these situations is simply to refrain from engaging.
More than ever, educators—and all of us—need to protect our well-being by establishing a healthy work-life balance with firm boundaries. Without these, it’s easy to get drawn into a cycle of constant responding, which can come at the cost of precious moments with loved ones, self-care, or other responsibilities.
I consulted Dr. Lisa Bennett, a psychologist and assistant professor of psychiatry, for her insights on work-life boundaries. She emphasized that boundaries are essential for feeling fulfilled in various aspects of life and for preventing burnout. We must recognize that we cannot “do it all,” and establishing boundaries can lead to greater success.
One significant benefit of setting clear boundaries is the example it sets for others—whether it’s a teacher modeling this for students or someone demonstrating it to their family. I’ve noticed that when I establish boundaries, my children take notice. For example, I’ve taught them that a closed bathroom door means they should knock and wait for a response. They’ve learned to respect their own need for downtime by closing their bedroom doors too.
While we know boundaries are vital, what do they look like in practice? Dr. Bennett suggested some practical strategies: turning off electronics and refraining from checking emails after a certain hour. I’ve even seen writers include notes in their email signatures indicating their response hours, which is a smart way to manage expectations.
Setting a specific time to leave work each day is crucial. There’s always more to accomplish, but that shouldn’t justify sacrificing personal time. It’s important to reclaim our hours.
Dr. Bennett also stressed the importance of embracing the word “no,” asserting that sometimes saying no means saying yes to oneself. We often feel compelled to explain our reasons for saying no, almost apologizing for having boundaries. Yet, “no” can stand alone as a complete sentence.
Another helpful suggestion is to communicate our needs clearly to those who need to hear them, particularly supervisors. If you’re on the brink of burnout despite making personal adjustments, it’s time to explore other solutions.
Teachers often socialize with colleagues, but Dr. Bennett reminded us that stepping outside the work cycle—even during leisure time—is beneficial. In the past, I would often find myself discussing work with fellow educators, which didn’t help to alleviate my stress. It’s essential to expand your social circles or enjoy quiet time with a partner or alone.
Dr. Bennett empathizes with teachers, especially considering the unique stressors introduced by the pandemic. With additional challenges like wearing masks and ensuring the safety of themselves and others, establishing healthy boundaries has become even more critical.
Reflecting on what we need and evaluating what’s working or not working for us can significantly contribute to maintaining a balanced life. Dr. Bennett suggests that answering these questions may reveal small adjustments that could improve our well-being.
I find that my children’s teachers exemplify strong boundaries in their communication. They teach my kids that they have lives beyond school that deserve respect, helping them understand their right to set healthy boundaries as well. If we can spread this mindset further, we’ll all be better off.
For more insights, check out this post on home insemination, or learn from the experts at Intracervical Insemination. For valuable resources related to pregnancy, visit March of Dimes.
Search queries:
- How to set boundaries with teachers
- Effective communication with educators
- Work-life balance for teachers
- Managing parental expectations with schools
- Establishing healthy boundaries at work
In summary, maintaining boundaries with teachers is crucial for their well-being and sets a valuable example for students about respecting personal time. By fostering a culture that appreciates these boundaries, we can create a healthier educational environment for everyone involved.