You know that caring for children means much more than preparing meals and having a place for children to play -- much more. Helping each child grow -- inside and out -- at his or her own pace is one of the most important jobs we have.

Some days, of course, will seem to be easier than others. We all have times when we are irritable or just plain tired. That's true for children as well as for us.

Fred Rogers told a story about a time when he began working with children at a family and childcare center many years ago. He would sometimes feel that a play session hadn't been the least bit helpful. After one particularly difficult time with a child, he told his supervisor how badly he thought he had done. "Fred," his supervisor said, "any time that you have given your attention to a child and tried to understand that child as well as you knew how -- that time is never wasted."

Even on hard days, our relationship can grow; and it's that relationship, more than anything else, that helps the child. Being there with consistency, supporting the child's own unique ways of growing: that's what's essential. That makes the work you do a very special kind of love.

Back to Theme