Caring for Children
Children make us grateful in an endless variety of ways. They bring surprising responses to each new turn of life and fill us with wonderment. But when they challenge us with their emerging independence, their painful uncertainties, and their disappointments if things don't go their way, what happens to gratefulness? This message board allows you to trade with others your joys and your challenges in caring for children.

I’ve just come to fully appreciate the pacing that the school year gives to my life. I’m grateful for the intense seasons when I’m up to my fetlocks in grumbling, grades, and giggles. The quiet times between terms that allow reflection and rebuilding. I’m glad, most Monday mornings, to have been called to this profession.
- Julia, Beaverton, Oregon   26 Nov 2001

As a disgruntled grandparent I still haven't figured out whether young people today are just plain un-grateful, or whether they have ways of showing gratefulness which I don't recognize. If so, could a teacher please help me recognize them?
- B.S., Dallas/Texas   30 Nov 2001

I am a Sunday school teacher and have been for years. Yesterday, after doing an art project about prayer with my students, I discovered that the eraser on my pencil was not working because it had a big black smudge on the top. One student told me that if I rubbed it against my blue jeans or on the carpet, that the smudge would come off and the eraser would be good again. He demonstrated this for me, and it worked! I went home, had the same problem with another eraser, and tried what he told me, and it worked again! This student is a big jokester and I am never quite sure what he is getting out of the class, but today, I think he was really listening and showing his gratitude for the class by telling me how to deal with a smudged eraser. I am grateful for the things I can learn from my students, like described here. I am also grateful for their small acts of kindness, like this young student showing me how to clean an eraser. It is moments like these that are to be treasured and give one hope for the world - may the kindness of this youth be magnified a million-fold!!!
- NonaS, Orangevale   3 Dec 2001

I am thankful for the many young people I have made an emotional connection with over the years. This allowed opportunity for raising awareness of gratefulness, compassion, and sensitivity to others "outside their inner selves", through discussion and, I hope, example. I'm grateful for all that they have taught me. Thank you to Clayton, a disruptive 6th grader in my remedial math class. I discovered, one day, that by standing behind him with my hands on his shoulders, he immediately calmed down. Thereafter, when he'd begin to get rambunctious, I would instruct or monitor from behind Clayton, with my hand resting on his shoulder. He became an excellent student in that class. He showed me the power of touch. My heart, now, is full of gratitude for sharing in the lives of my grandchildren.
- Barbara M., Austin, TX   4 Dec 2001

I teach at a college, something like a junior college in the States. My students are 17 and 18 years old, a rather self-absorbed age. I am grateful to be part of their lives during this transition period as they make tentative steps into adulthood. I am grateful for Jason who recognized in me the qualities of a loving mother-substitute when he once called me "Mommy". They aren't demonstrably grateful, B.S. in Dallas, but if you look in their eyes, you can see the love you give them reflected back.
- "Mommy", Montreal, Canada   16 Dec 2001

Was listening to a radio report about the big rodeo in Las Vegas this week. One of the veteran cowboys when asked why he stays in this business that can leave him bruised and bloody replied, “I’m too honest to steal and too lazy to work.” He must really feel deeply about what he does. Is there anyone else out there who feels that way sometimes about the rodeo and bucking horses we signed up to handle when we decided to become teachers?
- "Often thrown off horse", Pacific Northwest   21 Dec 2001

I am grateful for the students who have appreciated my efforts as a teacher. I am also grateful for the students who have not responded. The ones who have not responded give me an opportunity to have faith in the seed that I believe has been planted in them -- the seed of knowledge.
- Grace, Peekskill, NY   27 Dec 2001

I too am grateful for the seasons in teaching. The intense times, when I barely have time to think, are offset by reflective times, such as Christmas, fall, and spring breaks, when my first perogative is to rest, read, and reflect. These "3 R's" are necessary to preserving one's sanity as a human being and a teacher. In this profession, at which I have endeavored for more than 15 years, I have seen a lack of graditude grow each year, as students neglect to thank me and each other for small kindnesses, and even more astounding, parents neglect to send messages of support and encouragement. In response to this, I have created a inspiration/gratitude for teaching file that I look through when things get overwhelming. I try to take time each day to find something to be grateful for, and sometimes, I need to look at the children I teach from another person's perspective. Children do show their gratitude, although not often in words. I believe no one has taught them to do this, so it becomes something I can teach by my example. In the classroom, the most important job of a teacher is to nourish the spirit of each child. I am grateful that God paved the way for me to become a teacher.
- S. Long, Buskhannon, West Virginia   31 Dec 2001

a grandmother from DallasTX left a comment nov 30 if you see this y dear I want to agree with the moderator who said look for the little things..and go one step further...always acknowledge the little things.Young people are just that...young... they will learn as they grow that others are more important.that tomorrow comes. They are so caughtin the moment and themselves as they learn who they are. Youth always watch us and they learn from our example. If you eat a meal with a young person take time to each share a thank you around the table. If you say good-night to a young person each night tell them one thing you were grateful for today then say you are grateful to have them to share that with... little things live and learn blessings to you
- mrsrlh, portlandOr   4 Jan 2002

I am never more aware of small justice and mercy issues in my job then just before semester grades. Where does gratefulness fit into those decisions? I’m curious to know other’s experience.
- Pat, Arizona   16 Jan 2002

Well, Pat from Arizona, I take the Bible verse seriously: She "shall have judgement without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgement."(James 2:13)This helps me -- and my students.
- D.D., Christchurch, New Zealand   17 Jan 2002

What a strange coincidence to come across this entry. I have a stong suspicion that D.D.is one of my teachers. We students are grateful to her for being both firm and kind. After I graduate, I plan to show my gratitude by traeting my own students the way Pof.D.treats us.
- P.G., Hornby, New Zealand   26 Jan 2002