
Things I heard coming out my mouth today that made me pause.
To a kindergartener whose hands seem to search out, touch, move and poke everything. This time he pressed a button on the PA system mic and was breathing heavy (a la Dark Vader) to the whole school:
Is this yours? Does it belong to you? Why are you touching things that aren’t yours?
Unfortunately, the mic was still on while I asked him these questions and entertained the whole school with my strident tone.
To a 2nd grader who said she wanted to be the new girl’s best friend but another classmate was being mean to her and blocking her blessing (paraphrased):
You can be friends with her even if someone else wants to be her friend. That’s okay. Just be a good friend and expect others be a good friend to you.
To a 4th grader who has more anxiety than everyone I’ve ever known combined:
Her: They were calling me fat. I want mom to bring me new clothes.
Me: Did you like your outfit before they called you names?
Her: Yes.
Me: What do I always tell you?
Her: Ignore them.
Me: If you like what you’re wearing, it doesn’t matter what others think. Tell them to be quiet and mind their business.
To every child that comes to me with an injury, problem, or complaint:
So what you wanna do?
A couple of weeks ago a K5er, came into the office three days in a row with different ailments in an attempt to go home. On the third day, he claimed his wrist was broken while waving it in my face and insisting I call his mom. Humoring him, I asked, if I call mom, what are you going to say?
With the cheekiest grin, he put his hands on the arm of my chair and began jumping in my face. “I’m gonna ask her what she wanna do!”
A+ for listening, dear boy. ♥️