Joan Moser
May 8, 2009
Remember those famous lines your parents used when you were growing up? When we were children, there were unforgettable sayings we promised ourselves we'd never say to our own children. As adults, we either laugh or cringe when we hear our mother's words in our own voice. Words spoken to children have a powerful influence -- negative or positive.
This past weekend, the legendary Barbara Streisand had a special on TV. She sang some of the old classics and some newer pieces as well. I was particularly struck by the song Children Will Listen. In short, the song talks about the power of what we say and what we do around our children who are always watching us.
The song stuck with me as I began my work week. At recess, a spring-time squabble broke out. I marveled at the sophistication with which the young children handled their heated situation. One took a step back, inhaled deeply and mustered up a calmer tone of voice saying, "I really don't like it when you throw the ball at me, it hurts. Please stop." The other student, hands still clenched, leaned forward on his tiptoes and continued his barrage of yelling. The first student calmly said, "I'm not talking to you with that tone of voice, please don't talk to me that way."
With the song Children Will Listen so fresh in my mind, I got chills. I realized these were the exact words my students heard me say on a daily basis. What was even more delightful was when the yeller of the duo took a visible step back, mumbled an apology and went about his business.
It doesn't matter if you are a mother, father, aunt, uncle, grandma, grandpa, teacher, babysitter, or day-care worker, if you spend time with children, what you say and how you say it matters. As Barbara Streisand so eloquently sang, "Careful the things you say, children will listen."
This first week of May, as we celebrate Teacher Appreciation week and Mother's day, we salute all of you who devote your time to being positive models for children! Your children are listening!