Ever had a student pull the classic, “I’m 18, so I don’t have to listen”? 🙈 I just did—my first time as a 2nd-year high school teacher! Honestly, it caught me off guard. I just smiled and said, “Yeah, we all make our own choices, but we also face the consequences.” Looking back, here’s what I learned: • Stay calm—don’t let it rattle you! • Acknowledge their independence, but remind them of responsibilities. • Keep it respectful. No power struggles! • Set clear boundaries and expectations from the start. • Follow up privately if needed—sometimes a one-on-one chat works wonders. We’re all learning as we go, right? Next time, I’ll be ready. Any tips from fellow teachers? ❤️ #TeachingLife #ClassroomChallenges #HighSchool #Education