Thanksgiving is just around the corner. I know, I can't believe it either. Earlier this year I had the opportunity to present at an early childhood conference on a topic I am quite passionate about- improving communication between working parents and those who care for our children. I partnered with the Director of our childcare center and we delivered a presentation that sought to build empathy for both groups and relay best practices for communication. We ended the presentation by reading a thank you note each of us wrote to the other person. In this season of gratitude, I am sharing this letter on the blog. I hope it reaches every single person who cares for young children. Your parents may not always articulate what you mean to them, but I know I speak on behalf of so many. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.
Dear
Caregiver,
You didn’t
see me the other day as I stood outside the door. As I was leaving that morning, I heard my son
crying. I peered through the glass as I
saw him sitting at a table while you, hands gently on his arms, knelt down to
look right into his eyes. As he told you
about the problem he had encountered you never lost his gaze. You talked to him and listened. To almost anyone else in the world his
problem would have been the smallest, most insignificant issue. Maybe he didn’t get to play with his favorite
truck. Maybe he had trouble
sharing. But you listened as if it was
the biggest problem because you know that for him, they’re all big problems.
I held back
every motherly instinct to rush in and rescue him. I didn’t need to. I have you.
I have you
to listen to my children every day about the big problems, the little
discoveries and the joyful celebrations.
I have you to hug them when it seems like their tears will never stop
falling. I have you to help us teach
them how to be responsible, loving citizens of the world who realize that
sharing means twice as much fun, twice as many friends and twice as much
happiness.
Each day
when I’m at work I am surrounded by photos of my family in colorful
frames. Their smiling faces remind me
that the hard work I do provides them with opportunities for a wonderful
life. But it’s hard and I feel guilty
for the time when I’m not near them. And
that’s why I’m so grateful I have you.
You have become part of the fabric of their lives. You are my village and I am so honored that
you chose children as your life’s calling.
I don’t know how you do it. How
you smile when I’m sure your head is throbbing, how you listen to the little
things like they’re big things all day long.
You deal with the messiest of human beings and you wake up every day to
do it all over again. You are amazing.
And last
week, you didn’t see me again. I came in
to pick up my son and peeked around a corner to see you sitting outside of a
bathroom stall. Inside was my precocious,
wonderful son trying to use the potty.
And knowing that those things take time, you sat outside reading his
favorite book while he giggled. And I
giggled. Because that is the kind of
loving act that only a parent could possibly have the patience for. But you’re not a parent yet and yet here you
are in the very trenches with us. Thank
you for every book, every dance, every song, and every hug. My children are better people because you’re
in their lives. We are better parents
for the information you give us every day.
And the world is a better place because people like you care so much for
the very smallest of us.
Thank you so
very much,
Love, a
Working Parent