Emotional Eating (rant)

[Moonglo]

Ugh... I want to eat so bad right now... and I don't even feel hungry!

I just found out from a reliable student that the group of kids in my 2nd period who are always giggling are usually doing so because one of them is making fat jokes about me or muttering things like, "shut up, you fat *****" (several words fit there... take your pick. Apparently they've said it all.

This is particularly cruel of them because they know I am diabetic. They know I am trying to lose weight. They are deliberately being as hateful as possible... and don't even have the nerve to do so where I can hear them.

I don't know what to do anymore. The way I'm feeling right now is, if this is all they think about when I'm in the room, maybe I'm in the wrong profession. I want so badly to get up and walk out right now... but I know better. But I can't eat my way through this one, and I can't allow any student to see me get emotional about this. So I have to vent somehow... I guess I'll take it out on my workout this evening.

It's just so frustrating. I bust my *** for these kids each and every day, and what do I get in return? Elevated bg from dealing with them.

UGH.

[foxl]

Oh, HUGS! Kids are so cruel, it is their nature ... and that is rotten of them!

I know I found a bunch of data missing from a file yesterday that I KNOW I had entered months ago ... and, I headed for the vending machine to get peanuts. They are the most innocuous snack available.

Do you have "emergency" snacks to ward off eating bad things? It helps to have things stashed and have a plan for those times!

[Moonglo]

Yeah... after typing this I did have a piece of cheese. Maybe I got so emotional there for a minute because I forgot to snack earlier (thus bg went up, as opposed to it being because of strss).

[foxl]

good for you, having cheese! Hope you feel better.

It is a tough job educating kids. As a parent I really respect the profession. (I hope my kids' teachers know it, too!).

[Supermario]

Flunk the punks! I'm sure you can make life a little more difficult for them while still playing within the rules. A lot of people call may call it petty, or sinking to their level, but those people are missing out on the immense satisfaction that comes with dealing out a little justice. Sometimes Karma takes a little too long for my liking.:fight:

[harbs]

I'm a teacher too and I know how you feel. I haven't "come out" to my students about my diabetes because there is still a stigma attached to it. I'm type 2, diagnosed April 2008, and I'm overweight (280lbs). Kids are mean and cruel, and I'm sure that if yours are anything like the kids I teach then they're mean and cruel to every teacher. Just know that karma is a b*tch and they will get what's coming to them.

[notme]

I am really sorry Moonglo, kids really are unthinking and cruel. I know I could say things like, they won't be kids forever and they will have demons of their own to fight someday, but it doesn't take the sting out of the words.

I really wish we were not such a judgemental society. We judge people by everything. How thin, young, pretty, rich....... it goes on and on. But, we are judgemental and kids are the worst. Sounds like a few kids need some lessons in manners.

Don't get mad Moonglo, get healthy. Don't let this be an excuse to eat, go punch a punching bag for awhile! Be the best teacher you can and then teach those kids about health and fitness and maybe a little kindness and empathy.

[reefedjib]

Make the class harder and give more pop quizes. Tell them it is because that group of kids is being disruptive! I agree with Supermario.

[Moonglo]

Thanks guys. I feel better. The kids ended up being dealt with by an administrator because it got to the point where the student who told me what was going on was threatened by her classmates. The administrator called their parents, and apparently they were all very supportive, because the kids (most of them) came in the next day with a very different attitude.

[Granny Shanny]

That's impressive . . . especially the part about the parents being supportive! So glad things got better & hope they stay that way.

[foxl]

I am very pleased with how our elementary age kids are being handled --- they start on social skills education, in KINDERGARTEN, for ALL OF THEM! I wish your group had had as much ... anyhow I am very pleased to hear the school, and parents became involved.

They need to understand how vital their cooperation is, to their OWN well-being.

[lark 27]

Just always remember that you cannot control the kids behavior you can only control your behavior and your response to their behavior. I'm glad you've identified that one potential response to their behavior is to eat, which is self-destructive and does nothing for the kids. What are some other options? New seating charts? Proximity control (you get out in the class more and stay closer to those that are starting to cut up)? Perhaps more discussion about what appropriate guidelines for class behavior are. (Respect everyone, focus on the learning, take responsibility for your own success.) Consequences when those class guidelines are not being followed (talking and laughing in class is not respectful, it doesn't focus on learning, and it's being irresponsible; therefore, an additional assignment or whatever the consequence will be). Perhaps more involvement of the troublemakers (they have roles in the class, they have to present something...).
Also, what are other options for you to help you regain control when you do get upset? Seeking support on the forum is a great option. A good, fast walk at lunch to burn off that negative energy perhaps. A talk with a close colleague. Renewed focus on getting healthier.

All the best with staying in control!
Good luck.