i've just started a job as a Ta - just finished my third week. i'm enjoying it also, but sometimes i feel the kids dont see me as authority.
the teacher tells me to be hard on them, so i am! overall, they're not bad kids (year 6) - no real behaviour probs reallly. they listen to me, but i wish they could see me, as they see the teacher.
i think it's cause im new, and i'm gettting used to it. any of you guys got any experiences please?

Are you new to the school? Sometimes it just takes time - I know in our school ta's with children in the school are often known as J**'s mum etc. Also if you are totally new to the school that is often how they view you - the new 'helper'. Hopefully as your relationship with the teacher (and other staff) improves, so will mutual respect between adults and children.
Keep hanging in there . . . .

When I started at my school 3 yrs ago I found it very difficult to gain the kids respect. I was firm but fair tried to see both sides of the coin and had the crack with them when it was appropiate. It took 3 mnths for them to see me in the role of a teacher within school. By the end of the year they didn't want to leave me behind and move onto Y6 and to be honest I had got really attached. When they left to go onto comp I was bought chocolates n wot not. I thought I had been real hard on some of the kids but it shows. There has to be a balance, it does take time to build mutual respect and they have to see both sides of you. I can remember going home in the beginning thinking what am I doing here, it was so hard. I think my hubby got sick of seeing me crying everynight and at times I still get peeved off, but I wouldn't be without.
Stick at it, be firm n fair, have a word with the teacher she/he may be able to offer support and may even address you as a 'teacher in our school'. You'l get there I promise.

THANX FOR THE ADVICE.

i've had responsibilty of the whole class loads of time and they listen to me!!!!!! i cant belive it, and am really confident with them now.

Rome wasn't built in a day and nor is respect. Over the months you have, obviously, now gained lots of respect from the children. Well done Parv, all credit to you.

Thats good news, and so lovely for you