This drawing, done by my 14 year old son Nicholas (when he was 3), hangs in my home office. He drew the picture and his teacher wrote the title as instructed by Nick. I love this drawing because it showed that at an early age he had self-confidence and was a happy, well adjusted child. I am proud to report that he remains so to this day. I did not have that kind of self confidence as a child, a teenager or a young adult. On those days when I am feeling unsure of myself, I have only to look at this drawing for hope and inspiration.
The following is one of my favorite quotes pertaining to my work with young children and families that reminds me on those tough days why I persevere.
"A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank
account was - the sort of house that I lived in - or the kind of car I
drove...But the world may be a different place because I was important
in the life of a child!" Anonymous
This week has involved reflection about not only my professional development, but childhood issues that have unconsciously influenced my interactions with families with young children. I am the only child of an only child, who was also a single mother in the early'60s. She had her parents to help with me, but they were not always supportive of who she was. Watching her overcome her upbringing and the sense of right and wrong that she imparted to me, created an empathy that has served me well. I did have to learn not to become over involved with some families. A colleague whose degree is in counseling helped me to realize that I was not empowering families by doing everything for them. From that point I have worked to give families the tools that they ask for in order to be supportive.
I am certain that there will be more inner discoveries through this academic journey...so stay tuned!
No comments:
Post a Comment