Tonight I'm writing about a fictitious day care provider (Mary Poppins) in a galaxy far, far away.
Mary has a child in her group who's suffering some physical abuse at the hands of a new step sibling. Mary is quite concerned about this, and has passed the information on to the appropriate parties. She's known Chris* for several years, and seen a very distinct difference in Chris's personality now that marriages have occurred and they're trying to blend a family.
Mary can't do a whole lot about the situation, but because she is conscientious about the children in her care, she's done everything that's appropriate. Mary has lost sleep over it, but has done what she can.
She's talked to those who need to be talked to.
She hopes that will be enough.
Also in Mary's little group is a child who suffers from some pretty big anxiety issues. This little person is pulling hair out in a circular patch on the back of his/her head and it's starting to show. There's a bald patch pretty clearly visible now. The child's parent and Mary both noticed it on the same day, and will be monitoring the little person more closely.
Mary understands anxiety, since she suffers from it, too, but Mary hasn't ever pulled her own hair out. The little person who's doing it is well cared for, the parents are aware of the difficulties the child has in school and social situations, and they're taking proper steps to help.
I hope Mary continues to care about the children she's been entrusted with, losing sleep or not.
Kids are just so damn important and they need nurturing.
I'm glad Mary has the guts to speak up and try to help the kids in her care. Kudos Mary.
ReplyDeleteYeah, Mary likes her job and really cares about her kids. She's a lot like me. :)
DeleteHas Mary seen the anxious child pull out hair? It could be alopecia areta.
ReplyDeleteMary has seen it. So has Pat's mom. A few years ago, Pat had some major anxiety and made a couple bald patches.
DeleteToday I was thinking how nice it would be if people could just send me all their unwanted or abused children, so I can make them all better...
ReplyDeleteI appreciate people like you, who take their job seriously.
I read a story on our local news about a baby this morning. Seven months old, taken from her mother and put in foster care. Evidently running a meth lab in your apartment isn't a healthy environment for a baby. Who knew?
DeleteI think the punishment for any and all abuse should fit the crime. That whatever is done to a child should be done to the abuser. I don't know if it would be a deterrent, but I think I'd derive personal satisfaction from knowing the adult was harmed in the same way.
Am I a sick asshole? Possibly.
So tough to be a little one without needed love and comfort in some way. Thank God for the helpers, such as Mary and yourself, who provide what is missing as often as possible.
ReplyDeleteWell, we try. Can't save the world, as my hubby so frequently reminds me. But I can save small pieces of it, right? That has to mean something.
DeleteMy little brother pulled his hair out in elementary school and it got so bad he wore a hat to school, with permission. But kids made fun of him relentlessly anyway since everyone knew why he was wearing the hat. I was in my teens at the time and didn't really understand why he was doing it. Not even my mother did. We just thought it was a bad habit and nothing was done. :-(
ReplyDeleteAww, that's sad. Is he okay now? From the small amount of reading I've done, children do outgrow this habit. Or most of them do. In a small percentage, it turns into OCD and they have horrible difficulties later on in life.
DeleteI know that this child's parents are ON it. Occupational therapy, other therapies and the child is loved, valued, cared for very well. Hopefully they can figure out what's causing the horrendous anxiety.
There's a Special Place for people like yourself and Mary in the Afterlife. Meanwhile, I hold you and those like you in high esteem! (((hugs)))
ReplyDeleteYou are always so kind in the comments you leave. I don't think you know how much it means to have your support. Thank you so very much! (((hugs)))
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