I didn't have to teach parenting after all this evening, so I came home and crashed. Eventually, after a peanut butter sandwich, I recovered enough to go outside and cover the cold frame with plastic, so the soil will begin to warm up. We are supposed to have several warm days, so when I get home from the retreat this weekend, I should be able to plant in it.
The parents I had in class this morning were wonderful. We had a good discussion about reading children's "cues", played some games made out of materials found easily in any home, and talked about helping children name their feelings and recognize them in others. The babies ate with the home visitors in the child care room, so we had a leisurely lunch together, also. Sometimes the best discussion comes after the class!
These poorly educated young parents, who have been outside the norm since they were little, are so anxious to have their children succeed. We talked a lot about how to plan some time with their babies, and how to be prepared when they have to go somewhere with distractions for the little ones (like shopping with 3 children 3 years and under!). I read to them again from a couple picture books; they seem to like to be read to. I told them stories about my children when they were little and my grandchildren, too. I let them know about all the mistakes I had made before I knew much about child development and parenting.
The best fun was when I sent them outside to "find ten things you might find on a walk with your child." They had a great time outdoors, and then we talked about what they found and how their collections could help their children learn. "Help your child understand 'same' and 'different'; this is a beginning math concept", I told them. They were enthusiastic about finding ways children could learn on walks.
Inspite of our poverty when I was little, I always had a dad who could make beautiful music, a mom who sewed lovely garments, knit wonderful sweaters,
and who was a great cook. I had clean clothes, a warm house (except in the corners!), and a family who ate together. Dad taught me about gardening, and mom taught me how to spring clean (yes, I know how; I just don't do it!). I got myself to church wherever we lived, and had teachers who cared about me.
These young parents were brought up by people who did not have the inner resources my family did, and often were neglected, abused, ridiculed, and finally abandoned. And inspite of this, they are taking good care of their children, have sought out a program like ours for help, and attend parenting classes. I am always humbled by their heroic lives.
The other heroes in my work life are the Home Visitors. They pick up the families in the vans, then provide wonderful care for the babies (from 4 months to 3 years), eat their lunch with the children, and still are cheerful and happy with everybody. They work so hard, these women, to help our families reach self-sufficiency. And it's obvious that the children and the parents love them. The babies are very happy to play with their visitors while the parents are in class. And they will support everything I have stressed in their home visits. Not too many teachers get that backup!
Musings about children, parents, and parenting classes. Sometimes I get discouraged about the hill I have to climb with the classes. But then, I have a day like today, with 10 eager parents (actually, 9 parents and 1 grandparent)and lively discussion.
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