Use to be that I didn't like other people's children. The children I did like or love were of course my own, my sister's, my friend's, and maybe some of the neighborhood children. Though most of the neighborhood children didn't make the cut.
Other people's children were rude, spoiled, and annoying. Our neighbor's children were a direct influence on this as they were let to go wild. The boy would walk across our yard to demand cups of water and Popsicles from my husband, to which Hubby would tell him to take his butt home and get it himself. The teen aged girl I had to tell off more than once for talking to my elementary aged daughter like she didn't have any sense.
I realize the fault was not the children's but of the parents and maybe mine as well as I have little patience. Connor however has made that different. Because of Connor I have learned tolerance and patience, although reluctantly. Being an overprotective mother has reached new heights and because of that I am thrown into the midst of other peoples' children for the well being of my son.
At the beginning of our school experience I felt a little guilty about being overprotective as I would watch parent after parent come into the class and drop off their child and I would leave 15 to 20 minutes later. I would tell myself, So what I am helping him adjust! It was true but part was not wanting to leave him.
We have since seen 2 aides come and go because they can not cope with so many of other peoples' children and they have no incentive to do so. So I stay longer and longer and help with other children and pair myself with them so they will be more willing to play with me and more importantly Connor. I make great animals noises and sing all the songs. I tell them how great they are and laugh with them. The rewards are wonderful. The kids want to be near Connor, the mother hens of the group want to help him, and to my great surprise, when my little guy is too busy to tell me good-bye and give me a hug, ten other little ones come and do it for him.
6 comments:
I can relate to every word!
Sounds like you found yourself a mission...
Love to you and Connor.
Suzy
Boy, can I ever relate to the learning of patience -and at my age (63) learning (and remembering) new things doesn't always come about that easily! I wasn't all that over-protective with my kids when they were growing up but I do tend to be much more so now with the two grandchildren.
You cant beat rewards like that!
That's SO lovely, what a great thing to do. I miss those days when little kids looked up to me, now those same kids are towering head and shoulders above me!
When I make time and take time I love every minute spent with children, not just my own but their friends. I play games with them, we laugh, sing and dance. The only exception are the ones who don't take a telling and are cheeky!
Well done to you. x
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