Talking to Mrs. Tattle
On the walls of the gym I work at are lots of paintings of children playing. Most are playing in groups (some are doing ridiculous stuff like flying planes and running through walls) but one character is alone playing with a ball. Coincidently, the character is close to the floor so she is only slightly above most children's heads. Her name is Mrs. Tattle. Like Mrs. Tattle's name implies (don't ask me why she is married, she just is), she likes to hear people tattle-tale on each other!
All kids tattle, just some more than others. For some reason, we are having a very "tattling" week at the gym. Normally, I just tell the kids one-on-one about Mrs. Tattle...and then watch as they consider going to talk to her or not. But after about my first 15 minutes of camp, I had to tell all the kids about Mrs. Tattle while I went over the gym rules. It is funny to watch kids' faces as you tell them about her. Some believe you..."that Mrs. Tattle really likes to listen to me"...others are older and see it just as a warning not to tattle. The younger ones are the funniest, though. They ask questions about her and seriously consider talking to her, sometimes they even slow down while walking past her.
But the point is, camp is simply about laughing. So many kids, something funny is going to happen. "Madness" could describe it. A few adults with a bunch of kids.
But see, it is fun. For me at least. Others might not see what I find so funny in each day. I think there is a fine line between "I'm annoyed" and "I'm amused." I think that is why we have things like "Mrs. Tattle." I admit it, all that tattling drive me crazy, but getting to see a child truly think about a picture on a wall.....worth it.
Accidents in the bathroom, yeah, not my favorite. But some little boy so excited over a pair of Spiderman pull-ups...worth it. Saying "I'm sure he didn't mean to hit you" a thousand times a day gets tiring, but seeing the tears dry up instantly as they run back to join the child-initiated game of tag, priceless.
It's madness. But it is funny has heck. In two days I have done everything from talking about magnet boots to hearing a confession of love. Just makes me laugh. And tomorrow work; more crazy, funny things, I'm sure.
This wasn't exactly the direction I saw this entry going in...oh well.
All kids tattle, just some more than others. For some reason, we are having a very "tattling" week at the gym. Normally, I just tell the kids one-on-one about Mrs. Tattle...and then watch as they consider going to talk to her or not. But after about my first 15 minutes of camp, I had to tell all the kids about Mrs. Tattle while I went over the gym rules. It is funny to watch kids' faces as you tell them about her. Some believe you..."that Mrs. Tattle really likes to listen to me"...others are older and see it just as a warning not to tattle. The younger ones are the funniest, though. They ask questions about her and seriously consider talking to her, sometimes they even slow down while walking past her.
But the point is, camp is simply about laughing. So many kids, something funny is going to happen. "Madness" could describe it. A few adults with a bunch of kids.
But see, it is fun. For me at least. Others might not see what I find so funny in each day. I think there is a fine line between "I'm annoyed" and "I'm amused." I think that is why we have things like "Mrs. Tattle." I admit it, all that tattling drive me crazy, but getting to see a child truly think about a picture on a wall.....worth it.
Accidents in the bathroom, yeah, not my favorite. But some little boy so excited over a pair of Spiderman pull-ups...worth it. Saying "I'm sure he didn't mean to hit you" a thousand times a day gets tiring, but seeing the tears dry up instantly as they run back to join the child-initiated game of tag, priceless.
It's madness. But it is funny has heck. In two days I have done everything from talking about magnet boots to hearing a confession of love. Just makes me laugh. And tomorrow work; more crazy, funny things, I'm sure.
This wasn't exactly the direction I saw this entry going in...oh well.
posted by Emoney at 12:24 AM
2 Comments:
Children...beautiful children...I live with two og them, as you know...and there are a couple of things you have left out. You must always remember the methods for injuries. You know how if they fall and nobody sees them, then it doesn't really hurt, but if they know that you saw them fall, suddenly it becomes life threatening, but once it recieves a kiss it is back to brand new! Ah yes, and the wonderful mysteries of clothing...hand them an outfit, send them into the bathroom, and pray that they come out wearing everything in at least a GENERALLY correct way! HAHA...kids, gotta love 'em!
Much Love,
DeAnna
I don't have much to say. I'm an only child and have always been very grateful for that fact.
I think kids are cute from a distance. But I don't think I could do what you do, Emily. I admire you for that!
Wishing you many more memorable moments...
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