Authority

It is strange for me to be in a position of authority. Among the children that I treat and the ones around the schools I feel authoritative. I have to be. They need me to have clear boundaries so they know what they are supposed to be doing. Often it feels I have to test my own boundaries of what I'm willing to put up with. One I have to be clear on is safety, no problem there. For example, I'm experimenting with giving them two options "You can either take your socks off (so that they don't slip) or I'll take you back to class you have 5 seconds to decide 1, 2,.."
At one of my schools I have kids that come in and out of my class to use the bathroom. They like to play around in there so I have to tell them to go play outside. I have to get out my teacher voice every once and a while and it sounds strange to my ears.

Among the other professionals, specialists and teachers I have to be authoritative. I have to stand up for what is best for the kids that I'm working with. In my newbie state I have let them led me a little. After talking to my colleague yesterday, I determined that I was being too lenient, and have to push back at principles and teachers. This is going to be a challenge. It'll be ok though, I have had good training to be able to notice what is or is not going to work for children to be able to have two feet to stand on.