The little people I work with are a constant joy! I can go into work feeling rubbish and one smile, one giggle and one funny statement is enough to banish the rubbish feelings and make me feel like laughing again.
I have been told I look like a princess. I've been told my hair looks pretty. And I've been told I am their 'best teacher'. It's moments like this that help to brighten my day.
However, on the flip side, these wonderful little humans can also be blunt, tactless, and too honest for their own good.
Take today as a case in point.
It's lunch time and the children are lining up. One little cherub is finding it hard to line up without bumping into his classmates. I take him aside for a quiet word and remind him that he needs to do the right thing. I ask if he understands and he nods.
Just as I'm about to get up from the back killing crouch I have adopted he well and truly takes the wind out of my sails.
"Miss Lennon, what is that on your head?"
Now I'm used to being covered in glue, paint and glitter. If I get home without some dubious substance attached to my clothes I consider it a good day at the office. So with some misgiving I turn to my colleague and ask her what's there. She reassures me that (for once), there's nothing there. Feeling relieved, I turn to the Cherub and announce with great confidence
"It's alright sweetheart, there's nothing there"
"Yes there is!" replies cherub with feeling. And to back the statement up, he jabs me in the forehead with his finger. "It's there"
Realisation dawns on me with ego-crushing effect.
There's only one way to reply to such honesty...
"Ah" I say with resignation "That is a wrinkle" And the cherub who is highly satisfied with my answer goes off to eat his lunch.
I on the other hand am a broken woman. Turning to my colleague I whimper "If you need me this afternoon, I'll be in the cupboard - crying, loudly"
I'm sure there's a saying somewhere about not working with children.....
Showing posts with label children. Show all posts
Showing posts with label children. Show all posts
Thursday, 20 May 2010
Tuesday, 11 May 2010
Precious Bundles
It's official - I'm cross!!!
I work with young children. Precious little bundles who are like little sponges taking in every word, action and event with wide eyed wonder. Don't get me wrong, they can be exhausting. Nothing will tire you out more quickly than a day with a class of 4 and 5 year olds - mentally and physically.
But the benefits outweigh this in my humble opinion. Not a day goes by when they don't make me smile or laugh or enjoy my job. They are funny, smart, engaging, creative and inspiring little beings.
So when I hear about anyone hurting a child (emotionally or physically), it makes my blood run cold. There are so many ways to inspire children to do the right thing without resorting to more draconian methods. For the majority the old school Victorian attitude of children should be seen and not heard or else is thankfully a thing of the past. Unfortunately, for some, this is still the daily reality of their lives.
And my heart bleeds for these children. I have quite literally shed tears over the conditions some of these fragile little things live in.
So far, I have made the choice not to have children. I'm far too selfish at the moment. I enjoy my freedom, my independence, my carefree existence. I love the fact that if friends call me away for a last minute break, the only thing I need to consider is what to pack. But I also know that if I ever do have children I will have to change my way of life. I will have to make sacrifices. I will have to forget my own leisure pursuits in order to nurture theirs. I will have to devote time, energy, love, encouragement and probably a copious amount of money to them. And if that day comes, I'll do the best job I can. What I won't do is take out my resentment on the child. I won't lash out at them because I am sick of having no life. I won't attack them verbally for ruining my life.
Children don't choose to be born, we choose to have them. And having chosen them, the least we can do is bring them up without hurting them. Even if that does mean giving up certain things. Afterall, that's what being a parent is all about.
I work with young children. Precious little bundles who are like little sponges taking in every word, action and event with wide eyed wonder. Don't get me wrong, they can be exhausting. Nothing will tire you out more quickly than a day with a class of 4 and 5 year olds - mentally and physically.
But the benefits outweigh this in my humble opinion. Not a day goes by when they don't make me smile or laugh or enjoy my job. They are funny, smart, engaging, creative and inspiring little beings.
So when I hear about anyone hurting a child (emotionally or physically), it makes my blood run cold. There are so many ways to inspire children to do the right thing without resorting to more draconian methods. For the majority the old school Victorian attitude of children should be seen and not heard or else is thankfully a thing of the past. Unfortunately, for some, this is still the daily reality of their lives.
And my heart bleeds for these children. I have quite literally shed tears over the conditions some of these fragile little things live in.
So far, I have made the choice not to have children. I'm far too selfish at the moment. I enjoy my freedom, my independence, my carefree existence. I love the fact that if friends call me away for a last minute break, the only thing I need to consider is what to pack. But I also know that if I ever do have children I will have to change my way of life. I will have to make sacrifices. I will have to forget my own leisure pursuits in order to nurture theirs. I will have to devote time, energy, love, encouragement and probably a copious amount of money to them. And if that day comes, I'll do the best job I can. What I won't do is take out my resentment on the child. I won't lash out at them because I am sick of having no life. I won't attack them verbally for ruining my life.
Children don't choose to be born, we choose to have them. And having chosen them, the least we can do is bring them up without hurting them. Even if that does mean giving up certain things. Afterall, that's what being a parent is all about.
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