Today started like any regular work day. I woke up at 4:45 and left my house 30 minutes later to get to work before three children woke up. My start time is 6:A.M.
When I arrive, I quickly and quietly dis- alarm the house. I put my things down and start to clean off the table, counter tops, and dishes from the night before. I’ll check the trash cans in case they are full and pick up random toys from the kitchen floor, counter, table and living room.
Sometimes, the children’s father is already gone when I arrive while their mom’s busy getting ready for work. She usually leaves within the first 20 minutes of my arrival.
If one or two of the children are awake they are allowed to quietly watch a show before I serve breakfast. The television has become a big distraction so the parents said it could be on before I arrive and after school with the exception of weekends. Weekends are for bing-watching! *Those are the parents hours with their children.
The parents set this rule but left me to enforce it, so I decided to make it fun.
The children argue over the shows they want to watch or throw a fit when it is time to turn the television off.
Sometimes they do not want to come eat breakfast because pouting is real when you’re only 3 years old!
I found a way to help them get through those emotional moments by reading to them. I read every morning. They love it and It made perfect sense!
I would say, “as long as you’re eating …I’ll keep reading”.
Sometimes we would read a favorite book over and over or have a variety from the local library. Either way, it was a really great use of time. Books around the holidays are always a win.
‘Reading while they are eating’ is an excellent opportunity to serve a message they may otherwise not want to hear. Children’s books are an excellent tool to help us teach about anything and everything that is current and important to children. For example, brushing your teeth, learning to swim, or sharing your toys! The opportunities are endless and knowing how to choose the right book with the right amount of words and pictures is very important. *These are some examples of how I spend time with your children.
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