Sometimes kids ask questions that may be a little awkward.
Obviously I can't tell a child things that are best left to their own parents, but I do attempt to answer questions without awkwardness or embarrassment, even if I can't tell the whole truth.
Today, Jennifer* came to me. Very serious expression on her face.
"Susan? How are we formed?"
"Hm. Well, you start out as two cells. And those cells start dividing. Each cell has a job, and they know what to grow into. The cells know whether to become fingernails or hair or toes or arms. About 10 months after the cells start dividing, it's a baby!"
She listened to me seriously, looking directly into my eyes and nodding as I spoke.
Then she said thank you, and went back to the art table.
We ended up with a smaller amount of kids than we expected today, so I volunteered to go home. I have things that need doing anyway.
And Jennifer walked over to me, hands behind her back, eyes twinkling.
"You know when I asked you that question about how we are made? I was just fooling. I wanted to get a good look at your eyes so I could draw a picture of you."
Obviously I can't tell a child things that are best left to their own parents, but I do attempt to answer questions without awkwardness or embarrassment, even if I can't tell the whole truth.
Today, Jennifer* came to me. Very serious expression on her face.
"Susan? How are we formed?"
"Hm. Well, you start out as two cells. And those cells start dividing. Each cell has a job, and they know what to grow into. The cells know whether to become fingernails or hair or toes or arms. About 10 months after the cells start dividing, it's a baby!"
She listened to me seriously, looking directly into my eyes and nodding as I spoke.
Then she said thank you, and went back to the art table.
We ended up with a smaller amount of kids than we expected today, so I volunteered to go home. I have things that need doing anyway.
And Jennifer walked over to me, hands behind her back, eyes twinkling.
"You know when I asked you that question about how we are made? I was just fooling. I wanted to get a good look at your eyes so I could draw a picture of you."
And she handed me this.
Evidently, I have vertical cat pupils in a lovely blue green. And some very interesting lips. And an upside down bunny nose. The square green body and the tie dyed shirt are definitely me, though.
So, according to the artist, this is what you look like when you're discussing making babies. Does your husband concur? :)
ReplyDeleteEllen
He says that although there has been *some* discussion about that topic, we ordinarily have those conversations in the dark. ;)
DeleteThis made me smile. What I saw was all the hearts. Have a Great New Years.Your Alabama lurker/fan.
ReplyDeleteMost of the shirts I dye have a heart on the sleeve. My effort at putting a little of mySELF into each creation.
DeleteJennifer loves me. She's one of those little people who put 100% of their own little hearts into everything. She has huge emotions and a huge sense of humor. She's high maintenance and worth every bit of it. :)
Through the eyes of a child ~ LOVE IT!!! Happy New Year to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to you, too! I so appreciate the kids taking time to draw me pictures. I remember being a child and sometimes being just overwhelmed with how much I loved my teacher and wanting to do... something... to show it. My love was usually expressed in picture form, too. I put my entire heart into those little drawings. I try to remember those feelings when kids do the same for me. Those little drawings and moments of presentation are truly gifts.
DeleteAwww. :) I also love your answer.
ReplyDeleteI admit to scrambling a little to try to come up with an acceptable answer, most of the time kids don't ask me about things like that. Oh no, I get the tough questions... like, 'Is Santa real?'
DeleteI was prepared to hand the conversation off to her parents..."Most moms and dads prefer to talk about this subject with you personally' but since she wasn't listening anyway, I didn't have to. :)
That's ONE awesome teacher and ONE smart/crafty child! ;0)
ReplyDelete(((hugs))
You always say such nice things to me.
DeleteAnd yes, she's smart and crafty and just cuter than cute. She has the most gorgeous auburn/shading into blonde hair. It cascades down her back in beautiful, smooth waves in the morning. By the time she comes back to me in the afternoon, it's all mussed and ruffled from her busy day. She's round-ish, has a lively, interesting face and lovely hazel eyes. She... twinkles. Even when she's crabby and out of sorts. I so wish I could show you pictures of her (all my kids). They're all very special.
NAILED IT! :)
ReplyDeleteWho nailed it? Jennifer or me?
DeleteHow sweet!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
Happy New Year to you, too. Still sending every good thought I have your way and Michael's way. I hope he gets his transplant very soon.
Deleteand BTW, the pearler beads are still on the missing... but I did find some regular beads (like the ones that the kids braid into their hair and make bracelets and key chains out of) and some feathers that you're welcome to. Shoot me your address again if you want them. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for thinking of me. I fund a great deal of my program myself... more expedient at times. I appreciate my friends who help me with that. My kids benefit greatly from people like you.
DeletePerfect! That is wonderful.
ReplyDelete