Fay Watson

I had fun the three mornings we spent with the kids (ages 6-10) participating in the youth camp this week.  I haven't worked with children this age for over a year.  Patience is a virtue.  It is a virtue that I used to think I had in spades.  But I don't know what has happened to it. I think it is middle age. Really, I actually made it through the three days without losing my cool.  It is more a feeling of unease that I had. I was reminded that the key to being in charge of young children is to stay in charge of the young children.  You can't be their friend.  It is very tempting to be cool, to be their friend, play with them, but once you do they don't see you as being an adult, the person in charge.  I had forgotten that little gem.  That you have to be firm and follow through on consequences.  The most amazing thing about children is that if you set the bar high, make sure that standard is challenging, they can and will live up to your expectations.  I guess that doesn't just go for children.  It is true of all of us.  If someone believes in us, and we believe in ourselves we can do just about anything.  Stubbornness helps...