awww

Lyssa was my helper at work today. When our numbers were low enough for her to be off work, she clocked out and went to wait for me in the staff lounge.

Trevor*, age 6, asked me a few minutes after she left,
"Where did that beautiful girl go?"

I said, "You mean Alyssa? My daughter?"

And he said rapturously, "Yeah."

::snicker::

I got a new enrollment this morning. She's in Kindergarten. Just a tiny little girl, turned five two days before the cutoff date.

Now of course I would suggest to people not to push the kid, but oddly, parents don't ordinarily consult me about raising their children! I don't understand why not, my opinions are perfectly valid and probably smarter than most, but whatever.

She still sucks her finger, is quiet and big-eyed and solemn, and just precious. I escorted her to her destination when it was time to leave, she had no idea whatsoever where to go. There was a morning assembly, so I had to find her teacher in the gym and make sure she was in the right place. One of her little friends waved at her and they hugged when they met. So cute.

Kellie* was the child who pitched a fit the other day when her dad came to get her. As he was signing her out, she stomped her foot and said, "You are too damned early!"

Then, she crawled under one of our long cafeteria tables, wrapped her arm around a bar, her leg over another and looked determined enough to last for quite a siege.

He didn't argue with her, simply told her it was time to go, she said, "FINE! You're gonna have to PULL ME OUT OF HERE."

And he did no such thing. Merely said, "Time to go, Kellie," picked up her backpack and lunch box and walked out the back door without her.

She about tore herself in half getting out from under that table. She sprinted for the back door, saying, "Daddy! Daddy!" and that was the end of that. :)

During conference time today, we addressed it. She's not the only child who doesn't want to leave when a parent comes to get her, just the most vocal.

I explained to the kids that their parents don't go home and read the newspaper and watch television after they drop them off at school, instead going off to work all day long. And that they're tired and just want to go home.
"All the toys will be here tomorrow and next week. You will still be able to play with them, see your friends, and have a good time here. But if you can't leave something behind when your dad or mom comes, then next time I will ask you not to play with it."

There were sober nods of agreement, and no one pitched a fit at pickup time. At least not today.

I also have a new enrollment in the afternoons. He's a first grader, and has a pretty interesting family life. (past)

It definitely shows in his attitude and demeanor. Nothing really horrible, but he will need some careful observation and redirection. I'm not expecting his behavior to improve overnight, but I think with gentle reminders and vigilance he will end up fitting in okay.

Cute kid. He was the last one today, and we discussed Legos and Bionicles. He has a lot of enthusiasm and I think he'll have a good time in my program.

And now, I once again have an opportunity to go to bed a little early. Every little bit helps.