Compliments

Occasionally I get a compliment from a parent regarding my program or something specific their child enjoys while in my care. I always appreciate them taking the time to say nice things to me. What I do is important to me, and I work hard to really get to know the kids.

This morning I had a full program. Wednesdays are my big day because school starts an hour later and more people need care on that day.

So we were hanging out. Talking about this and that. Kids were talking about the concert they have coming up, where they will be singing some patriotic songs. One of the kids said something about it being 'a free country.' John* snorted. "No it isn't," he said. "That damn Obama has ruined our country."  A couple of the kids were shocked. The rest agreed with him that Obama is doing "a really terrible job."

I didn't say anything about it, although I wanted to.

The conversation drifted into how adults always tell kids what to do. Without listening to them or even realizing that they have feelings.

I said that sometimes adults get really busy in their lives and because we've already been kids but it was a long time ago, sometimes we forget that kids are just... people. With feelings and ideas and wishes and dreams.

And Jennifer* said to me, "But you always knows how we're doing. And if we have a bad day. You're more than a regular adult. You're a friend."

Okay. THAT was a compliment!!

On days like today, when I'm tired, my knee hurts, I'm having some other issues that aren't going to appear on my blog... well, it's nice to have some validation.
Then Annie said, "I love you." And hugged me. She added, "I love my mom more, but I have love for you, too."

So cute. She is barely six. She was very shy last year when we first met, and is still a quiet little thing, but she is always happy to see me in the mornings. She tells me little stories that make me laugh because of the way she tells them. She has great big eyes and this charming little husky voice, and when her enthusiasm bubbles over, it's just a kick.
I know I'm where I'm supposed to be, taking care of all those young people.

It's funny to have them consider me their friend, because of course I'm really not. I can't be their friend and get the results I need. So instead I am consistent, firm, kind, straightforward... all those things a stand-in parent should be.

I try to present the same face to them every day, no matter what is going on outside program. Whether I'm tired, or don't feel great or my knee hurts or whatever.

I need to be trustworthy for them.

It appears to be working. :)