Ten years ago I:  thought 40 was old

Ten years from now I will:  be playing with my grand children

My children have no idea I:  don’t like making decisions

School is: a way out

A parent’s job is: never done, heart breaking at times but life changing

I am grateful for: my kids and my husband even though it sounds hokey.

When I reach the end of my rope I:  take a nap

If I wasn’t a parent I would: have a cleaner house

The best way to get my children to do their chores is: to pay them

My favorite teacher:  looked like Mr. French

My child’s favorite teacher: has never forgotten her

When I was in high school I: was brainy and scared off most of the boys

If I was principal of my child’s school I would: always have music and art

Everything I ever needed to know I learned in:  French class

School lunches: are bad

The perfect school:  does not exist

A good teacher:  cares about all the students, not the ones who get good grades or the ones who get into trouble but all the ones in-between

If my child could change one thing about school it would be: to have more recess

The biggest surprise about being a parent is: that I enjoy it so completely

If I could teach one thing well to my child it would be: to be kind to everyone

Things that aren’t taught in school but should be:  languages at an early age

Lessons Learned:  I’ve learned the best way to get kids to eat the foods you want them to eat, that are good for them, is to introduce it to them at a very early age; before they have friends who will tell them it tastes nasty.

Betty Martinez lives in Diamond Bar, California.

Ten years ago I:  Was doing much the same as I am now, but no kids.

Ten years from now I will:  Be enjoying increased freedom as my kids grow.

I feel like a real grown-up when:  I can purchase big-ticket items all by myself!

Cereal: Breakfast only, or any time of day?  Anytime you can find time to sit down to eat it (as long as it isn't 'junk' cereal).

Raising children is:  Incredibly hard and under-appreciated but rewarding.

My parents have no idea I:  ...have accumulated a crazy amount of debt on my credit card.

My children have no idea I:  Sometimes think that I have no business being a parent!

Homework is:  A necessary evil.

School is: Often more about learning socialization and human behavior than learning from books.

Education is:  The only true ticket to power and freedom.



My favorite teacher: Mr. Ray Vogel (grade 5)



When I was in high school I:  Lacked the confidence to get involved in much of the way of extracurricular activities.

The smartest thing my child has ever said:  'Mommy, don't worry.  Worrying only makes you feel worse!'

The perfect school:  Would have very small student-teacher ratios and have a good Christian founding (yet still be 'public').

A good teacher:  Takes a child's concerns seriously as well as those of parents.

If my child could change one thing about school it would be:  Less days off during school year to allow for a longer summer (not starting up again before Labor Day).

The biggest surprise about being a parent is:  Your child never notices when you screw up.

Lessons Learned:  It is never too early to teach kids respect for authority and establish firm boundaries to avert trouble later.  It's also important to instill in them a sense of independence—for example, sleeping alone, dressing themselves, helping with chores--and resist the urge to 'smother' them.

Ten years ago I:  was raising three young children and running from activity to activity with them.  I was also a substitute teacher.

Ten years from now I will:  Hopefully be a mother-in-law and grandmother.  I will probably be working part time.

I feel like a real grown-up when: I look in the mirror!  



Raising children is:  The best job in the world---also the hardest!

Homework is:  a pain in the neck.  It is necessary but they give too much at times.



A parent’s job is: to keep a child safe and to nurture the child and encourage him or her to grow into an independent adult

Education is:  a child’s “job”.  It is important to move to a town that has a great school system.

I am grateful for: my family

When I reach the end of my rope I: go for the chocolate!

If I wasn’t a parent I would: feel as though my life was not complete.

The best way to get my children to do their chores is:  nag!

Since Steve left Blue’s Clues: I have “NO CLUE!”  haha

My favorite teacher: was my high school biology teacher.  He taught me outlining and note taking skills—which was more beneficial than learning the biology.  Besides…he had gorgeous eyes!!!

My child’s favorite teacher:  was her first grade teacher.  I think that she is the reason my daughter became a teacher herself.



If I was principal of my child’s school I would:   try to lessen the pressure that the kids feel

The smartest thing my child has ever said:  You’re the best mom!

The perfect school: has a nurturing environment

A good teacher: thinks of the individual child and makes learning interesting.

The first day I dropped my child off at kindergarten I: cried uncontrollably



Subjects I wish I took more seriously in school: I was a nerd…I took them all seriously!

If I could teach one thing well to my child it would be: to have confidence in his or herself.

The biggest surprise about being a parent is: how hard it is to let go.

Ten years ago I: thought I would have won an Oscar before I was 30.

Raising children is: the most difficult and most incredibly wonderful experience of my life.

My children have no idea I: wish I was a better father.

My parents have no idea I: intentionally failed the vision test in elementary school so I could get glasses just like the coolest kid in school, Justin Worbernosh (name changed to protect the innocent).

Homework is: a necessary evil.

A parent’s job is: under appreciated by your children until they have children of their own.

I am grateful for: healthy children, friendly dentists, low-maintenance pets such as fish and spiders, a forgiving wife, amazing sunsets.

When I reach the end of my rope I: go to bed and wake up to a new day, a new opportunity, a new chance. OR I eat a big bowl of Peanut Butter and Chocolate ice cream and then go to bed and wake up to a new day, a new opportunity, a new chance.

If I wasn't a parent I would: have missed out on so many blessings and joys in the last 13 years.

Parent-teacher conferences are: nerve-wracking; anxiety-inducing.

Back-to-School Night is: fun; nostalgic.

The best way to get my children to do their chores is: TURN THE TV OFF (until all chores are finished)!

Since Steve left Blue’s Clues: We still see him in reruns.

My favorite teacher: Ms. Waterman (2nd grade '81-'82).

My child’s favorite teacher: Mrs. Kerfoot (1st grade).

When I was in high school I: thought I was invincible.

Learning is: one of the greatest aspects of life.

If I was principal of my child’s school I would: probably create WAY too many holidays.

Everything I ever needed to know I learned in: kindergarten! Wait, no …MARRIAGE.

School lunches: GROSS!!!!

The smartest thing my child has ever said: “Mommy, isn't daddy supposed to be in charge?”

The perfect school: One week on, four weeks off.

A good teacher: will never be forgotten.

The first day I dropped my child off at kindergarten I: choked up and felt really old.

 If my child could change one thing about school it would be: No more homework.

The biggest surprise about being a parent is: how much you learn from your kids.

If I could deliver one sentence of advice to every new parent it would be: Don't get frustrated at the scribbled walls, the messy rooms, the sleepless nights, the broken vases...ENJOY EVERYTHING; the walls are works of ART, the rooms are not as important as the expeditions your young explorer wants to embark upon, the sleepless nights are there because YOU are NEEDED by your child, the broken vases...well, it's only a vase...(One sentence?!? I'm trying)...hug your children everyday, kiss your children everyday, tell them you LOVE them EVERYDAY.

My children have taught me: how infinite my heart is. I never knew that I could love so much.

Subjects I wish I took more seriously in school: Foreign language … Wait, have you seen the gameshow Are you smarter than a 5th grader? Apparently, I should have taken every subject more seriously.

Public, private, or charter?: Public (can't afford private).

Lessons learned …: Don't lie to your spouse.  Don't lie to your kids.  They can see right through you.

James Runcorn and his wife, Tena have been married for over 13 years. They have four boys (3 biological and 1 adopted). Tena teaches first grade for the Los Angeles Unified School District. James is a stay-at-home dad and professional actor/writer/producer. His feature film Choose Connor is scheduled for release. James is also a veteran of the United States Army.