Sat
27
Feb
2010
We sat on the floor and peeked under the bed. We found a bag of doll clothes first and then a box of rag dolls. We spent some time dressing them up, trying new combinations of purple and pink and funky patterns. Then, curious, we looked under the bed again.
The large box was ugly on the outside and partially torn. Inside, we found beautiful porcelain dolls of various sizes. The Mexican señorita had large brown eyes and lustrous lashes. Then there was a redheaded cowgirl, a heavily made up beauty from Puerto Rico, a Brazilian cangaceira (a typical character from the Northeast), and a collection of Disney miniatures. We laughed as we uncovered a very old Russian doll I got when I was 6 years old. By now her porcelain skin was almost entirely white and her cheeks an unatural red. "I used to think this was the most beautiful doll in the world," I told her.
"Not very pretty now," I laughed. She giggled and agreed.
Last we opened a smaller box loaded with stuffed toys. I pressed the hand of the very purple Barney who knew her name and sang "You are special." We laughed some more.
I don't know how long we played. It was magical and unforgettable for both of us. Then I kissed her goodnight.
We work on our schedules and make sure we have achievable and measurable goals - racing after raises and promotions and making darn sure someone knows what we achieved. We spend hours on the computer. We fight. And as we fight for one more recognition and one more article and one more praise we forget our real treasures - the ones under the bed, the ones inside carboard boxes, the ones colored with joy and memories.
Suddenly, whatever I was going to write about tonight doesn't seem important at all.
I really was able to identify with this post...it is so easy to forget the things that are most important in life when we are wrapped up in what must me done to make a living and be successful in our
careers.
I have a question for you. I am an education and training professional and currently teach parent workshops and play classes for parents with children from 0-5. As many employers are looking for ways
to keep employees engaged and productive. What do you think about my idea to provide brown bag lunches at the employers location for workers who are in this target group. Because most of the
employers would not have childcare facilities at their location, the classes would be for parent education. Topics like, raising emotionally intelligent children and how to get started usingg baby
sign language at home to communicate with your baby before your baby can talk?
As an over 50 worker, I was laid off in 2008 when the economic crisis(motgage industry) hit homebuilders really hard and home sales dropped. Unable to find work, I have started my own business. Since
most of the workplaces I visit seem to have mostly young workers who are at the age of starting families or having young children and young mothers often feel guilty about leaving their babies when
they go off to work. I believe that their involvement in these types of classes might provide them with a sense of being involved with their children, even though they have to work. Your thoughts?
Leslie, I think that's a very interesting idea. I know if I were at work I would probably enjoy attending one of these - not only I would feel like I was learning something about my children, but
also it wouldn't be "work" - it would feel more "balanced" to me than attending a "work related" presentation during lunch. The problem you may face is - will employers be willing to pay for
something like this? Or would you expect participants to do so? I think you may want to start by approaching employers to check how receptive they would be to this idea.
Have you thought of also having a parenting blog and website? Inviting parents to comment? Also, don't forget the older kids - they can be more complicated than the 0-5 year olds :).
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