“Mothers
hold their children's hands for a short while, but their hearts forever”.
–Unknown
This quote is one of my favorite quotes.
Being a mom to my 5 children is truly a rewarding experience. I love being a
mom, and would be completely content to do nothing else, but be their mom.
Having children between the ages of 15 to 8 months I realize how fast they
grow. This saying is so true, they don’t want to hold their mommies hand long
enough, but they are always my little babies! Having children has made me
realize how vulnerable children really are. They need an advocate, they need
love, compassion, understanding, and most of all someone that will be there for
them unconditionally- a mom and dad!
As a child my
favorite book was Green Eggs and Ham. Something about that book sparked my
imagination. I still to this day think every time I read that book I can smell
the green eggs and ham. I have imagined
so many times what I think they actually taste like, maybe a little dry. Dr.
Seuss had a way of making me happy just with the rhymes, creativity, and Sam I
Am. Now as an adult I love the books, I Miss You Stinky Face by Lisa McCourt,
and I’m Gonna Like Me by Jamie Lee Curtis. Both books feed the creativity of
young minds, but also work on increasing self esteem, positive self-concept,
and assurance in their support systems. These two books just exemplify to me
how to show young children they are loved and important no matter what.
I think I most
like these two books based on my experience working with children with SED and
at risk behaviors. One thing these children often struggle with is broken
homes, feeling unaccepted in their environments, and feeling as if they are so
bad no one can handle them. When I left my previous agency to take a new
position for a different agency an 8 year old boy I work with said to me as I
was explaining to him that we would not be working together any longer, “That’s
okay, I am used to it. I have had a lot of people leave me.”
One
thing I struggle with working with children is boundaries and attachment. These
children often just need a mom, a little guidance, and acceptance.
Unfortunately, I cannot be everyone’s mom. Also, I wonder at what price does
all of this comes to my own children? Do I give too much of myself to other children,
and not have enough for them when I come home?
I loved reading your blog, especially because I can relate and I agree with most of it. Thanks for the book review. I love Jamie Lee Curtis.
ReplyDeleteAlthough from different careers in the early childhood field, it is so refreshing to be studying with people, that want children to have quality experiences that develop healthy souls. It is not the easy way to plan curriculum, but it creates the excitement of authentic learning. I am sure in your work with children scared by emotional trauma or mental illness that you have wished for a magic pill to give them back the joy of childhood. Thank you for sharing your expertise with me today, via email. I am reminded when I read your discussion and reflections that you have chosen to keep balance in your life and to make sure your children know that they are your priority. Thank you for that reminder, and permission to make parenting our own children a precedence.
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