Having a teacher as a parent is a blessing and a curse at the same time. Teacher's kids are most definitely raised differently than other kids, and while sometimes the "teacher voice" at home gets annoying, we wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

Every moment is a teaching moment.

Our teacher parents aren't slick; we know when that "teacher voice" is being used on us, and it is used a lot. Teachers actually double as philosophical/motivational speakers in case you didn't already know. If you did something fun with your friends, there is a teaching moment somewhere in there. You posted something online? Teaching moment. Just woke up and haven't eaten breakfast yet? Teaching moment. Classes are hard and you are weighing the pros and cons of sleep versus completion? Definitely a teaching moment. If nothing else, our teacher parents are our biggest fans and already know what we are capable of, we just have to get there.

You're cool with all the teachers.

You were always dragged to school banquets and sporting events since you were little, and all your parent's friends are also teachers who were always at your house. You've seen the human side of all your teachers and you found out that they are actually really cool! Who knew that your English Lit teacher that strangely resembles a little ball of literary hatred is actually the most sarcastic and relatable person you've ever met?

With being friends with all the teachers may have come with a hint of favoritism, but it more so came with a higher level of respect for the work they do and the annoyingly stubborn kids that they have to deal with all day. You knew the teacher's little secret of being genuine people who aren't always consumed with what the powerhouse of the cell was, and you were glad to know that other side of them.

You learned the art of waiting patiently while your parent talks to literally everybody in the grocery store.

With a great number of previously taught students comes great responsibility, I guess. You learned very quickly that you were never going to be able to go to the grocery store with your parent again without seeing multiple people they knew. Ten minute shopping trip? Never heard of it, never experienced it. Your parent could have had two things on the shopping list, but you could bet you were going to be in that store, on the same isle, for at least thirty minutes.

"Oh, you're so-and-so's kid!" - every adult you've never met before ever.

"I remember you when you were this tall!" I bet you do Mrs. Becky, but I really am sorry to inform you that I have no recollection of anything from before I was two years old. You would be interested to know, however, that you are the third person this week who has told me that.

You thought you could avoid the people your parent taught once you started going to the grocery store on your own, but you were very, very wrong. They're everywhere. The grocery store, the church, downtown, in crowds; I'm pretty sure they all have binoculars and are just looking out for me at this point.

Bad grades? Bad behavior? Never experienced it.

My parent may not have been my teacher, but you can bet all of the other teachers knew exactly whose kid I was. There was an obvious expectation for my academic success and behavior. Most of the time it was an "I don't want to act up" thing, but if I did, it was like snipers creeping up on me, waiting to take me out. "I will call/email your parent" were the words you feared most growing up.

You're an expert at whatever subject they teach.

And you used to help them grade papers and assignments. None of your teachers were surprised that you flourished in that subject, they even expected it; but your peers, however, either secretly hated you for being so good or tried to take advantage of your supreme skills. You probably got asked the question "Are you going to be a teacher, too?" or "Are you going to major in the same subject?". No! Maybe..? I don't know!!

Your teacher parent doubles as your gossip buddy.

Your parent knows all of the students in the school for the most part, so of course you're going to share whatever drama ensued during the week. They knew who's dating who, who broke up with who, and the maiden that got in the middle. Teacher's gossip as much or more than students do; don't let them fool you. They're looking for a juicy story just as much as we are. Honestly, if you could have sat with them at lunch to gossip about the day's drama you would have, don't lie.

You have a greater respect for teachers.

Watching your parent over the years deal with stubborn students who don't listen in class, or at all actually, has given you such a better understanding for what they go through. You know through experience that your teacher parent lives for the chance they get to see their former students in the grocery store with their new families and lives. Even though their job is time consuming, brain crushing, and energy draining, you've seen first hand the joy it brings them to spark inspiration in kid's minds.

So, yes that teacher voice that your parent uses on you at home may get annoying, but it's also the voice that shaped you into the person you are today. Your parent was always more than a teacher to you; they were an inspiration, a figure to look up to, and your best friend.