Last week we had a bit of a rough day at school. Looking back, we probably shouldn’t have gone- we’d all been sick and my little girl had been hit the hardest, and was just now coming ’round and feeling like herself again. Part of me thought maybe another day at home might be wise, but the other part reasoned that we’d already had SO MANY sick days, and the twins reaaaally wanted to go, and it was picture day, and I had a meeting with the director that I didn’t want to reschedule…so I pushed my doubt aside and we made the trek to the co-op. The day started out well, but sweet girl started fading while I was in my meeting, and by the time I was out and coming into the classroom to check on her, she was done. Her brother got too close to the block tower she was working on and a giant meltdown ensued. Her lovely teacher, Ms. Nikki, suggested I take her out for a little break, and I agreed…my normally sunny babe had disintegrated into a hair-pulling (mine) mass of wails and tears. I took her outside, my face admittedly a bit red, and when she was calm I brought her back in and the three of us left class a bit early.
Later that afternoon I got an email from Ms. Nikki, checking in to see how Sydney was doing. I told her that my girlie was feeling much better after a long nap and apologized again for the tantrum in class. And do you know what her response was?
Although I hate that she had such a rough morning, I’m glad she feels safe letting it out with me. It’s so good to know that someone can see you at your worst and still love you and think you’re wonderful - we all need that.
My first thought- I am so grateful that this woman was the twins’ first teacher. What an unbelievably kind and loving thing to say about another person’s child. My second thought- I am taking Ms. Nikki’s place at the co-op next year as the 2s and 3s teacher. I hope I can be half as empathetic and respectful of the children in my care. I can have the most beautifully organized, engaging classroom full of just the right amount of whimsy and wonder and natural materials, but what matters most is that I provide these little souls with a warm, nurturing environment where they can be themselves. It’s an awesome responsibility, and I’m glad that I’ve been able to observe others before me doing it with such grace. We’ll miss you, Ms. Nikki- you are leaving big shoes to fill!
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I agree the teacher is SO important. What a kind teacher your little ones have? And how nice to be there to soothe her yourself? I hope we also get a kind, gentle teacher that makes them feel safe + loved + valued when my girls start school next year.
My son has a wonderful teacher this year! It has made moving into a full day program so much easier for him.