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Grace

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Have you ever been so tired that you didn't wash the dishes in the sink before going to bed?
Or left laundry out for someone else to fold because you had other things to do?

So why are you expecting an exhausted three year old to put away his lunch dishes instead of just laying down on his cot like his body needs to? What possible way could fighting this need meet a goal for you or the child?

If we want children to grow into people who respect what their bodies need, and trust others to help them, what purpose does this serve? 

I want to be the early educator who can respect a child's humanity, who can understand that just because the clock says 12:10 and the schedule says nap time isn't until 12:45, the child's need for rest overrules this piece of paper. 

I want to be the type of person who can give a little grace and humanity to an environment that rewards quiet compliance. Because right now, we need a little more questioning of the status quo, and a little less adult ego.

I'll be looking for opportunities to practice giving a little grace this coming week. Who's with me?

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