Teachers can be some of the most impactful and influential people in our lives. Parents can also be this. You probably know this to be especially true if you parent is a teacher. Whether your parent teaches 2nd grade, or is a college professor, like my mom, you’ve probably learned some of the tricks of the trade.

1. You know exactly what all of the bad excuses are to never use on a teacher

You’ve heard every excuse from “sorry, I can’t come to class today because I’m tired” to “I can’t make it to class because my girlfriend/boyfriend is in town.” You know what the worthy excuses are.

2. The importance of office hours/talking to your teachers

Especially in those big lecture classes throughout college, your professor parent has probably stressed the extreme importance of visiting office hours. Even if you aren’t having trouble in the class, you know that your parent expects you to go to office hours for the sole purpose of creating a relationship

3. Your homework was always done when you were growing up

Having a parent as a teacher or a professor, made your homework your first priority when you were growing up. And honestly, you probably haven’t grown out of that habit in college.

4. You understand just how stressful grading assignments is for college professors

You always felt bad when your parent stayed up until midnight or 1 am to grade assignments or tests! You understand the dedication of teachers/professors.

5. People always ask you why didn't go to the same university your parent teaches at

Everyone always seems to be curious about this. Sometimes it’s just good to get away from home and that’s the sole reason you don’t go where your parent teaches! However, if you did go to the university your parent teaches at… well, let’s just say they’d be the plug.

6. Or why you didn't major in what your parent teaches

You’ve gotta do your own thing in college! Yeah, my parent’s field is pretty interesting, but that doesn’t mean I have to also go into that field!

7. Summers when you were little consisted of visiting your parent's office

All of the swivel chairs anyone could ever want! Up until you’re about 8 or 9, visiting your parent’s office is super fun. To this day, your parent probably has a silly drawing you did when you were 5 up on their office wall, or even that embarrassing school picture from 4th grade for all of their students to see when they visit office hours.

I loved growing up with my parents having the professions they do! You can definitely learn a lot about college if your parent is a professor and learn the ropes of college. Shoutout to you, Mom!