Words to Live By

Sometimes teachers wonder what their students bring home from the classroom each day and how much of it sticks. Here's one hurrah for Mrs. Bauer, Jeffrey's 2nd grade teacher.

Jeffrey motioned me to come into the kitchen where we could talk 'in private'. With some trepidation, he whispered in my ear that he wanted to tell me something, but he didn't think he wanted dad to know. With an introduction like that, I knew what was coming. Jeffrey had a loose tooth... and Dad loves to pull teeth. After a little coaxing, I convinced Jeff it would be OK for Dad to know. He told Dad, and Dad gave him a week to get it ready. Over the next several days, Mark kept reminding Jeff to wiggle his tooth. In our review of the primary program, Jeff proudly announced that he had been wiggling his tooth the whole time. Monday passed. Tuesday came and went. Wednesday. This was the day.

And sure enough, Dad judged the tooth to be ready and called the boy over. Dad gathered his supplies; a toothpick, dental floss, a good lamp, and a towel. Jeff asked for a moment and ran into the other room. He stared at himself in the mirror and began chanting, "This is not the end of my life. This is not the end of my life...." 'Apparently' Mrs. Bauer has taught the kids not to sweat the small stuff by reminding them that most of the drama in their lives in not life threatening and gave them this little mantra to go over when they feel overwhelmed. It worked like a charm. When dad got to the point of knotting the floss around his tooth, we picked up the chant for Jeff, and before he even realized it, the tooth was out-with no pain & TEAR FREE!

Jeff is well on his way to learning to manage his problems. Mrs. Bauer words of wisdom have been a great reinforcement to his big brother's instruction. Taylor is helping Jeffrey learn not to cry over everything. When Jeff is whining or the tears start to flow-he takes Jeff by the shoulders, looks into his eyes and asks, "Are you bleeding? [no] Is anything broken? [no] Are you going to die? [no]" Sometimes this process has to be repeated; but more often than not, by the time the exchange is over, the tears are gone and Jeff's laughing at his silliness.

What would parents do without all those great people who help teach our kids? thanks