The Power of Gratitude and Great Teachers

Teachers are truly special humans. I always knew this — but I never appreciated them at this level until they became part of my own child’s life.

Eight or nine years ago, I had a vision that one day I might start my own business so I could have the flexibility to stay home with my future children. That dream came true, but eventually, I realized that I needed help — and putting my daughter in daycare would be the best thing for our family.

Ripping Off the Bandaid

It happened so quickly.

We were on a waitlist for part-time care, and the very next day, we got a call — there was an opening… but it started next week. As new parents, we had always heard, “You should get on a daycare list as soon as you find out you're pregnant.” So I was completely unprepared for this to happen so soon. Still, we knew we had to take it — there was no way of knowing when the next spot would open up.

And just like that, daycare began the following week.

I was not mentally ready for this separation. I was trying to hold everything together — organizing her daycare stuff, prepping for a major trade show in the U.S., and oh yeah, did I mention I was flying out the day after her first day and leaving her for five days? Going from being by her side 24/7 for 17 months to suddenly being apart — it was a lot. Emotions were high. The separation anxiety was very, very real.

The Hard Days

The next few months of daycare drop-offs were grueling. Seeing photos of my little girl with puffy eyes, sitting alone outside… it broke me. I knew in my heart it would take time, but I didn’t expect it to be so hard — even when I knew this was the right choice for us.

Time = Growth + Healing

It took about five months — yes, five , maybe even six— for my daughter to truly feel okay with daycare. Longer than most, maybe, but it doesn’t matter. I’m just so grateful we got there.

And we absolutely, hands down, could not have gotten through it without the teachers.

I saw first-hand the way they comforted her when she cried, the patience they extended day after day, how they made her smile again, how they helped her find joy in music, stories, crafts, and new friends.

There’s something indescribable about seeing another person — someone who isn’t a family member or friend — care so deeply and tenderly for your child. To trust them with the single most important human in your life… I never knew that level of gratitude until I felt it.

Happy and Thriving

I am happy that over two years later, she is continuing to thrive and grow with the help of her amazing teachers. My daughter has since changed schools, but the thing that remained constant was the support, care and love she receives every day from her educators.

Teachers have a superpower I will never understand. How they care for a room full of children while I struggle with just one. How they manage to stay smiling and energetic even at 4:30 p.m. How they make each child feel seen and heard in a room of twenty-four. I don’t know how they do it — and I won’t question it. I’m just so thankful they do.

Daily Gratitude for the Teachers

Thank you for caring for my daughter every single day while I work to build my business.
Thank you for giving me the greatest sense of relief at drop-off.
Thank you for getting her to try foods she would never eat at home.
Thank you for saving me from nap battles.
Thank you for your patience.
Thank you for noticing her new dress or princess T-shirt — the one she was so excited to wear.
Thank you for the pretty braids and ponytails you always give her that make her feel special.
Thank you for making school a place she wants to be.
Thank you for giving her stories to share at the end of the day.
Thank you for making her want to relive it all again through photos.

As a mom, it's one of the greatest comforts to know your child is loved, supported, and seen — even when you're not there. For that, I am endlessly grateful to the teachers who show up every day with open arms and full hearts.

If you've had a teacher who's impacted your child — tell them. A simple thank you can mean the world. Because what they do every day matters more than we sometimes realize.