I had a kind of sad experience at dance tonight. I teach five year olds on Tuesday nights. While they were practicing their Christmas dance, one girl just wouldn't smile. I have noticed it the last few weeks so I got on her case. I told everyone to smile and then I told everyone to show their teeth. Then I pointed her out specifically. At this point she broke into big crocodile tears. When everyone was changing into their tap shoes I asked her what was wrong. Ever so quietly she whispered, "My mom doesn't like it when I show my teeth." She has one of those five year old smiles full of all different sized teeth - some are huge, some are tiny and there are lots of spaces, but she is adorable. It reminded me of how fragile kids are and how self conscience we can make them. I try to tell my dancers how wonderful they are... don't we all need to hear that sometimes.
11 comments:
We can never hear it enough!! YOU ARE WONDERFUL!!! And I hope you know that. Thanks for changing my life and ALL those you come in contact with. How special you ARE!!!
How sad!! I don't think I could ever tell my kid to not show their teeth. Teeth make us who we are and eventually they can be fixed..but what the hey..let a kid be a kid!!
Oh that's so sad! I'm glad you're telling her she's wonderful. Man. I hope I never get that bad.
Wow, it sucks to be that mom. I can't think of anything that would kill me more than my girl thinking I didn't know she was the most beautiful thing in the world! Makes you wonder if it was really truly a point her mom made to her or if it was some side comment or joke taken to a sad level.
Ah.... it doesn't take much to make a big difference, positive or negative. You're so sweet.
Someone told me I looked good in red when I was about that age...I still love wearing red! It is amazing how much we rely on other's perceptions of who we are. Danielle, your unselfish love changes people. Thank heavens that little girl has you...I have several grandkid's with smiles like that...I love them!!!
That is REALLY sad. It's so true how pesonal kids take comments that are given to them- they're so fragile. It's good she has some one like you to make herself feel beautiful and wonderful. Good job Dani!
your so sweet!!! ilove you to death yes i found you through aob bu ti am so glad that i did!! i didn't know that you are having a baby congrats!!!
Maybe here mom was going for a look in one picture and she misunderstood it to mean all the time?
Hopefully?
That's so sad!
i am doing really good and yes i love married life!! how is it for yuo! thats crazy that your going to be a mom do you know what you are going to have?
oh so sad for that little girl. She's lucky to have you as a teacher.
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