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Originally Posted by willravel
It wasn't the information that the kid appreciated (eyes glazed over after the word isotope left my mouth), it was the fact that I was able to treat him like an adult and more than willing to be helpful. Maybe he'll understand it late, maybe he won't, but he'll always remember that I was willing to help him understand.
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Willravel, thanks for your kind words... I guess being an only child has made me a little nervous about becoming a parent someday. I never had to take care of younger siblings, nor did I ever babysit (I lived in the middle of nowhere, no kids younger than me around for miles). I haven't even changed a diaper.
But I guess with all things, it's possible to read and study about becoming a parent, and just getting out there and DOING it (without thinking too much).
Anyway, I think you are right... it is all about treating the child as a whole person, no matter what age they are. If a 5-7 year old asks me about where babies come from, I figure I will explain it as objectively and clearly as possible without trying to cover up the reality. If a kid wants to know something, then they deserve to know the truth before they try to find out from another less-reliable source. That was my teaching philosophy, too, when I was a high-school teacher... just to be as straightforward as possible with things, and hope that my honesty would help establish more trust and rapport with the student. It usually worked.
I am just not as used to the small ones!!