Health & Fitness
We Can Learn a Lot from Children
It is a sad commentary when adults need to be trained in the areas of empathy, diversity and inclusion - all which come naturally to children. Where does it all go wrong?
Within the last week or so I have been reminded on several occasions why I have chosen the career path that I am on. My father always told me that from a very young age, I always adored babies and children and could find beauty in all of them. I still find that to be the case but now I am look at babies and children through very different eyes. Before it revolved around everything that was external or visual, the child’s looks and maybe even his or her adorable little coordinated outfit but now, like with everything else in life, it goes much deeper.
Children have always had a lot to offer, I just wasn’t ready to receive the message. It is important to not only observe but to listen, as we can learn a lot from children. We have new families joining us on a weekly basis, helping to write chapter after chapter of our Once Upon A Time fairy tale. With each child there is a lesson to be learned, mostly of enjoying the simplicity that life has to offer. The lesson of late which I have witnessed is one of empathy and being nonjudgmental. So where and when do we lose these very meaningful traits allowing for desensitization to settle in?
This morning, one of our new toddlers was missing and calling for her mom. I watched as one of our more seasoned five years olds (the three year age difference allows for much wisdom) very gently took her by the hand and told her that “mommies and daddies always come back, don’t worry.” She bent down to ensure eye contact and rubbed the back of her hand to comfort her as well. I was touched by her caring and told her how meaningful her actions were.
Find out what's happening in Peekskill-Cortlandtwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
I have also had occasion to witness the interaction between typical and special needs children. It is truly amazing just how accepting of differences children can be. It is only once we impart what society has ingrained in us that causes children to no longer see beyond the physical resulting in prejudice. Along with the curriculum, our goal at Once Upon A Time is to teach children to look beyond the physical and be accepting of others. We want children to recognize that being different and unique is a gift. It all starts in your own little corner.
