Where are the children?

Okay. All right. So here's the thing. I really do not know what to write about lately. I mean, of course, topics come to mind every second of the day. I hear a news story, watch the State of the Union, or drive home from work listening to a report of Coretta Scott King's funeral with tears falling down my cheeks at the beautiful choral singing, or Maya Angelou's powerful voice, powerful words.

Teaching my classes, things come up every moment, a student's reply or, more importantly, a question that wakes my soul and fills me with joy. Then there are the moments when I realize how much I miss young children. My heart, mind, my soul seems to be shriveling up without children. When I was a Director of the Child Care Center I did not spend a lot of time with the children but they were there, all around, passing by, stopping in for a visit to my office, bright faces and innocent souls to greet me when I walked in and out of the classrooms. Their voices, chatter, laughter, or cries of rage, sounds of children were everywhere, except at nap-time when they slept like little angels on their mats. I miss their little fingers clasping at my arm as I carried them around the Center, chatting to the parakeets or just visiting other classrooms. My decisions, thoughts and concerns were constantly about their well-being, care and education every moment of every day. It kept me vital, dynamic, aware, bright and filled me with joy more often than not. How I miss caring for young children! How do I teach teachers without children around me to remind me why we do what we do?

I have been caring for and educating young children for close to 35 years.

I guess recently I have realized what my greatest loss has been this past year.

Young children: ages six weeks to five years.

Comments

[savtadotty]

Even if you do get your own grandchildren, try to "adopt" someone else's too! There are lots of young children whose grandmothers live too far away (not that I would know anyone like that, oh no).

[Richard Lawrence Cohen]

Immediately after my divorce in 1987 I began volunteering at a center in Madison where parents brought their young children on an emergency basis at times of abuse. It was my first and only experience in that kind of service, and it lasted a few months -- ultimately I was probably too self-centered to continue. But it was very worthwhile. I felt I needed something like that at the time, even though I was continuing to see my own young children almost daily.

[Joy]

I know what you mean Tamar. My granddaughter is very far away...outside of Boston. Though my daughter and I talk every day and I talk to Bella when I can...it's just not the same as having her to hold and hug all the time. When I find I need a "kid-fix" I go visit my daughter, Jenna's, classroom of 1st and 2nd graders. They're wonderful, warm and loving...and I'm good-to-go....until the next time. And of course, there's always those little ogling moments when you run into a sweet little thing in a store or restaurant somewhere. I so love those little ones...just like you Tamar.

[MaryB]

What I miss most about being around young children (no grandchildren yet; why, my Kate is just a baby!) is the opportunity to see things fresh and true. They calls 'em like they sees 'em - and usually in very creative ways. When there's a young child around, it's as if someone's turned the hose on the everyday world and washed it down to the basics.

Reading that back, it seems a rather romantic view of small children (though I'm not forgetting the short tempers, self-centeredness, and sticky-gooeyness that's packaged with the little things), but I am energized by their world-view.

[Brenda]

That is my favourite age group too, and I know exactly what you mean.

[Dee]

Enjoy your comments very much. I too have grandchildren that are too far away. It's bittersweet to have family scattered.
BTW, thank you for your comments about Philly. Do so miss the Delaware Valley. Had I only "soaked" more in when I was there for over 30 years!. Dee

[savtadotty]

Your post inspired me to write further ruminations on my own blog. You have become a muse!

[Tamar]

Dee, thanks for stopping by. I am starting to acquire a love for the Delaware Valley area ... still new for me : )

All of our comments can be summed up by MaryB:
"When there's a young child around, it's as if someone's turned the hose on the everyday world ..."

Ah me ... I miss children ...

Thanks so much to all of you who have shared your understanding and love of small children.

[nappy40]

Oh Tamar...

[Mo'a]

When I first came to the US, I found it strange that Children and the Elderly were seldom seen. Each one in their age group. When I was a child in Iceland, I had contact with not only the very young but also the elderly. All celebrations included everyone. A child’s birthday party was attended by everyone. When my son was little and we lived miles away from our families we made sure to include everyone no matter what age in our celebrations, our friends of all ages became our family. I am lucky to live in a neighborhood where there are children of all ages. One of our neighbors includes everyone when she has her parties, young and old, it is a pleasure to be part of that and to be able to see the interactions of all ages. That is as it should be :)