being there

Sometimes I wonder why teachers and child-care providers get so little respect. Is it because it seems so simple to just show up and be there? Is it because as a child-care provider changing diapers and spooning food into hungry mouths doesn't take "much"?

I have learnt a few things in the past months...
Being there is not the same as being present and accessible on every level.
It's not about having time; it's about what we do with our time.

It's letting go of  preconceptions about life, and adapting to the rhythm of everything around you, because kids need that.

It's about expecting the unexpected; making way for new ideas - evolving.
It's about trusting in the child's ability to see the world from a purely selfish reality and understanding that this is growth.

It's about holding back, and taking charge simultaneously - as each child needs something different.
It's about letting go, and understanding that direction is gently swaying and coaxing - not manipulating and pushing.

...there's still so much to learn. They are pretty good teachers.

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Take Care : The power of words (part 2 of 3)

This is part 2 of 3 of our "Take Care" series. The first  post focused on teaching the kids the basics about germs, not getting sick, and staying healthy. One of the things they learned was the importance of hand-washing. Read it here.

The second topic that the kids spoke about was how to be nice and use kind words (as much as possible). We read the book Words Are Not for Hurting (Board Book) (Best Behavior Series).
It is so important for kids to use words (if they can), and to be able to express how they are feeling without stress or pressure.

Of course they will not always get it right - we as adults don't even come close. I expect they will have down days and anxiety-filled days. My goal is really to keep insisting that they use words...kind words when possible, and that their feelings are valid.

I also believe that one of the best way to work with children and their feelings is not to try to talk them through, or "fix" their feelings every time they get upset. I am not speaking about babies, who have specific needs. I am speaking about young children who are beginning to explore and understand their feelings, and also empathy.

The book
 
The book Words Are Not for Hurting  is all about the power of words, and how we can make people feel good or bad depending on the words we use. We learnt that sometimes we don't mean to hurt others with words, and we can always say "I'm sorry" if we mean it.

Z has been looking at this book since forever...big boy too and while the subject matter is not easy to discuss with a toddler (for example), I get the impression that kids as young as Z and JM understands what is going on. For example, every single time Z sees the child crying (in the book), she tries to rub his head; while JM looks very concerned.
Empathy starts here...

Words are not for hurting is a wonderful book, and we love having it in our dayhome.

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