Crying is cleansing. There's a reason for tears, happiness, or sadness. —Dionne Warwick, singer and actress
Crying is communication, not an annoyance. Crying should be acknowledged, even if you can’t meet the child’s needs immediately. For infants, crying is their strongest signal to the people who are responsible for their care. Sometimes in balancing the needs of a group of infants, it is difficult to address all at the same time, but children need to at least hear your reassuring words. Too often, well-intentioned teachers dismiss tears and try to help children move beyond this raw and true response to emotion. It is respectful to acknowledge the tearful child and let him know that you respect his expression of grief, hurt, anger, fatigue, discomfort, or frustration.
In loving memory of Gryphon House author Leanne Grace, MEd, we are sharing pieces of her inspirational writing every Wednesday. Leanne was the director of professional development at Hildebrandt Learning Centers and a lifelong advocate for early childhood education. She inspired the early childhood community to prepare children as lifelong learners with her ability to find the extraordinary in the ordinary. One person can make a difference, and Leanne did just that. She will be sorely missed.
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