This question came from my nine year old daughter Jasmine the other day as I prepared dinner with my oldest daughter eleven year old Renae. Jasmine’s question puzzled me. You could tell that she was serious about figuring out the proper term for someone who says one thing, but does another thing. I looked up at Jasmine and mentally started recycling the day events. Had I done something that didn’t align with our family values?
I think Jasmine’s question has validity. Maybe her inquiry was specific to something she had on her mind, but I believe it asks a broader question: do Early Childhood Professionals apply the same principles outside of our dealings with young children/ students in the classroom? I am convinced that if “we” practiced what we preached a lot of miscommunication and hard feelings would decrease in the workplace, home, church, and community. If we applied some of the most BASIC, reoccurring phrases used in the early childhood classroom to everyday life, we would have better relationships between all people.
How often, do you say the following statements to young children?
- Walking feet
- Gentle hands
- Listening ears
- Inside voices
- We have to share with our friends
I know you’re laughing because you know this is a reoccurring chant in the early childhood classroom. But, do you PRACTICE these key principles in your own life? Let’s imagine a world of “adults” taking time to slow down and enjoy the sounds of nature, the raindrops falling, a child wanting to show you a trick (for the tenth time) they learned. Better yet, take time to truly listen (be present) to a co-worker as she expresses a thought – could you without any interruption or anticipating to talk in order to “one up” the person with your wisdom? Visualize giving hugs randomly to that awkward and nonchalant teenage niece or nephew stopping over to ask for money again. Maybe that inside voice actually might smile because you benefited another person (shared) “just because”.
Jasmine’s question is valid. “Mom, what do you call a person who says one thing, but does another?” Let’s practice our own basic principles not just in the classroom, but also in our everyday dealings with people and help make the world a better place.
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