Aww.
That's exactly what my heart said today.
Let me back up a minute.
Last week I started my new life, remember? Went from the glamorous-ish corporate life to dealing with dirty, screaming, whining, hyper, snotty-nosed kids.
Don't get me wrong. I love kids.
But some of the kids I deal with at my after school program are a bit "rough". I was told four different times last week, "You're not my mom, you can't tell me what to do". I was also told "No" about 80 times when I told the kids to do something.
Needless to say...it was a bit stressful.
I kept telling myself, "Ok, you've given huge presentations to over a hundred people and the CEO of a company, you've dealt with a boss who gave you insomnia, and you've sure as heck been thrown into many situations where you had to think quick on your feet."
Never could I ever have been prepared for this.
But, I'm learning.
It's week number two and I'd say the kids are already respecting me more, and my supervisor said the kids are "responding quite nicely" to me. My supervisor also told me that he wanted to run as far away as possible after his first day on the job.
So, I'm already ahead - haven't run away yet.
Now, for the "aww" part.
So today, I walked into the classroom and TWO of my "problem children"ran up and gave me HUGE hugs. I mean talk about confusion. Last week they were back-talking and wouldn't listen to a word I said. This week, they're hugging me so tight I can barely breathe.
I must say, of course I was a bit taken back, but I was so flattered. And of course my heart completely melted.
Sigh.
Such.a.sucker.
Oh, and speaking of hugs and being a sucker for them, does anyone remember this video from a couple of years ago?
I still love it and it gets me every single time!
10 comments:
1. We have the same fave GSC. I ate 4 boxes already.
2. You clearly are not with middle school kids. I don't get many hugs. Glad you are hanging in there!
I have worked with kids over the past 8 years. I started working in an afterschool program and now i am a teacher. I use to teach Kindergarten this year they moved me to 5th grade. I know all about them hating you one minute and loving you the next.
My best piece of advise is stay firm and strong they will all love you in the end! :)
Gotta love how kids test you! Just stay consistent and you'll be fine...when you see that you're respecting them, they'll generally respect you!
Yay, glad you are surviving!
The college I went to actually started a hug club. A few times a year (normally during exams) they would hug people on their way to class. Your post just reminded me of this and I figured you'd probably appreciate it
Gotta love kids! But seriously, when I read your post I found myself saying 'Awe!' hehe
I am glad that things are going better this week. Hang in there! :-)
Lastly, I LOVE hugs! But they have to be good, strong hugs....no limp noodle hugs. lol
As a mother of two young adults now and someone who taught hundreds of children from 3 years old to 10yrs and a soccor coach and class mother I can say it is very very hard to teach and run pre-school so I give you all kuddos who do. I can tell you about a great product that Head Start and hundreds of other teachers/therapists/schools use that will really help with behaviour issues from minor to severe along with emotional issues and can be used for separation/time out corner and even to teach with. They come with free curriculums,machine washable, raise money for breast cancer and other charities and are priced at $12.95!! They really really work. Trust me and check them out at www.huggeemissyou.com. Good luck-consistence is the biggest key to success with children.
I'm sure your new choice in careers will be stressful sometimes....but look at your already seeing the rewards in the second week!! So happy for you :)
Love the video clip! TFS.
I remember that clip! That's great that things have already started getting better with the kids! way to not run away!!
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