Kids say the darndest things. They also say the most brutally honest things. They’ll say things that make you tip your head to one side out of confusion, like a dog. Not to mention the casual, devastating observations that will cause you to reexamine your life choices.
For TikTok creator @kaiakinglsey_, these kinds of comments are all in a day’s work as a substitute teacher in Australia (they call them “casual relief” teachers there). Luckily for us, she has a great sense of humor and is ready to laugh through the pain.
Take a look at the brutally honest (and hilarious!) things students have said to this substitute teacher.
Kaia starts the video saying, “If you ever want to be humbled, be a casual relief teacher, because these are some of the things kids have said to me.” Then, she takes us through each of her students’ comments:
“I asked the kids, ‘How old do you think I am?’ Some said 68 … 43.”
There’s nothing wrong with being these ages or looking older, of course. But skipping straight from Gen Z to Boomer is bound to humble anyone.
“I was drinking out of my cup, and the kids said, ‘Is that a Stanley?’ I told them no. They said, ‘Yeah, we thought so. Looks like you wouldn’t be able to afford it.’”
Thank you. That is correct. (Pay teachers more.)
“I didn’t wear makeup the other day, and one of the kids said, ‘Ooh! Are you OK? You look really sick. Is it because you’re not wearing makeup?’”
Looks like we may need to review cause and effect.
“One of the kids asked me when is my baby due.”
Oof. That, my friend, is my burrito baby from lunch, and you can expect your baby shower invitation never.
Whether you’re a substitute or a full-time teacher, each day in the classroom offers unexpected moments and candid reflections courtesy of our students. These honest, unscripted comments not only provide comic relief but also a glimpse into how children perceive the world—and us!
Next time you receive an amusing or absurd student remark, take a page from @kaiakinglsey_‘s playbook and laugh about it instead of taking it personally. Sharing the hilarious things our students say lightens our days and reminds us why teaching is such an adventure. Cheers to all educators for embracing classroom chaos with humor and grace, making every encounter a story worth sharing!
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