Just a touch

Oh.. will be quite busy this week. So gotta keep my posts short and sweet... hopefully! :)

Was serving in the nursery on Sunday. There were a few crying toddlers around. (there are no male teachers in the toddlers class)

At that age (below 2), all they know mummy isn't here anymore and they start crying. After a while, they would cry, but there were no tears in their eyes.

I take that as a sign that they are sad, but not very. They are simply expressing their disgruntment at the status quo. And some can be pretty insistent.

When I was less experienced, I was always trying so hard to convince them that everything is okay. I would try to reason with them. But toddlers don't think, they feel. (Preschoolers, 2.5-4 yrs, are more open to logic) Then, I'll try to distract them with toys, over and over again. It gets quite tiring after a while 'cos there doesn't seem to be a connection.

After some time, I finally learnt how to discern between when a tod is really sad, and when he is simply expressing his displeasure.

In the latter, he just needs reassurance. I don't need to be too 'gan cheong' and try all sort of ways.

I reassure him by touch. Sometimes, I sit him ('cos he doesn't want to be carried, still angry mah) in such a way he can lean against me if he so chooses. Then periodically, I'll stroke his arm, his forehead in reassurance, or his face, saying sometimes, "It's okay, it's okay. Matthew's a good boy. Matthew's a brave boy. Teacher loves you. Jesus loves you. Whether you're naughty or good, Jesus and mummy will always love you."

I've learnt that children, no matter how young they are, are very quick. They know when you're trying too hard. And they'll cry sometimes, all the more. Because when you're trying too hard, you're not in control, not trusting God, not resting in Him. I'm usually confident with crying babes. They just need that touch of assurance, perhaps a little distraction and a soothing voice to take their mind of mmmummmmmyyy!

Sometimes, I get too confident and rely on my experience and still the little bundle of joy wails. Then I remembered my Lord :D and cry out to Him, "Oh Lord, help me! He just can't stop crying." And sometimes, I will be led to sing in tongues to the child. It's amazing! Usually within 5 minutes, he will either stop crying or forget that he's unhappy or fall asleep! Hallelujah! :D

It's wonderful what you learn looking after babies. :)

I learnt about Abba's relationship with me, as He's taking care of me..

I've learnt about how I can approach and show care in my relationship with others. :)