taking the time

As adults we are often guided by the clock. We have only so many minutes in the day to get everything done. Sometimes, because of these constraints, we do whatever we can to make things go quickly and smoothly. No time for errors, trying again or just trying for the first time.

However, the amazing thing about time is that just a little can go a long way. Today, I had the opportunity to see what a little time could do for Noah Sirlin. Many of the children had gone for a walk with Judi to retrieve our delicious challah from the kitchen. Noah, Aleeza and I were in the classroom finishing snack. Noah had run out of water. Normally, I would have quickly grabbed the water jug and darted around to make sure everyone had their thirst quenched as quickly as possible. However, today, we had time. I asked Noah if he wanted to pour the water himself. He replied "YES!". He held the jug perfectly and with just a tiny bit of my finger tips on the bottom, Noah poured a cup of water for himself.

He looked into his glass and exclaimed, "I did it!!!". He was so proud of his accomplishment and asked me if I wanted more water. I said "Sure." This time, I did not touch the jug and again, he poured slowly and carefully into my cup. He enjoyed helping me, being independent (and successful) and I loved watching it.

Suddenly, Noah began pouring his cup of water back into the jug. Normally we would not allow this as we try not to share germs. However, I told him we were all done with snack and I knew we would wash the jugs at the end of the day. Amazingly, Noah was able to pour the water from his cup back into the hole of the jug which is no bigger than a quarter.

I learned a very important lesson from Noah. It is crucial that we slow down. We need to show the children in our lives that we trust them to try - and sometimes try again. At times, it is definitely easier to just do it for them. However, it is far richer for them and us to lend support AND time while they try.