It’s the Little Things...Sometimes

Have you ever wondered if your children miss you when they are at school? The answer is a resounding, Yes. The emotions surrounding this absence plays out in a variety of ways and the Lower School teachers and staff have to adjust their approach accordingly. Sometimes a hug is all that’s needed, but there are other times when we need to be a bit more creative.

Sue Ann sees many students who have come to the office because they are “sick”. After she questions them and takes their temperature she uncovers that this phantom ailment is usually the result of missing mom or dad. I had to stop by one morning during a time I am usually at the Preschool when I came across two such students. One boy was resting on the “sick bed” while he had a little cry. I sat next to him and we talked all about how both of us would rather be at home than at school sometimes, but it was our job to be here. We shared what we like to do at home. He likes to hang out with his mom. I like to go for a run with my dogs. I let him know he was more than welcome to hang out in the office until he felt ready to go back to class. I also promised to check back in with him when I got there in the afternoon. This was all it took and he was fine for the rest of the day.

The same morning Sue Ann was comforting another student who was missing her mom because she was out of town. She was a mess. Lots of tears. Maybe some snot running. You get the idea. Sue Ann and I got her calmed down enough to go back to class and she and I made a date to color at 2pm. We wrote a letter to her mom and she drew a beautiful picture for her. Her main complaint seemed to be that dad made frozen pizza for dinner and nothing else...gasp. I shared that at our house when I’m gone there are times when my kids’ dad makes breakfast for dinner. This concept blew her mind and I think it made her realize her dad’s cooking wasn’t so bad. We made a deal that if she kept it together during class I would check in with her when I got to the Lower School and we could have another date if necessary.

It was pretty simple to change the day for these two students. They just needed a hug and someone to tell how much they love their parents. I know I said I’m not much of a hugger, but even a porcupine has a soft underbelly.



Anna Johnson