“Martin, you are really hugging me, aren’t you?” I asked him.
He smiled.
Bus time can be crazy. When a kindergartener misses their bus, worlds collide. Part of our routine is for friends to sit in their seats and use only a whisper. It’s imperative we can hear when specific buses are called.
I knew Martin needed to sit down, but I didn’t want to offend him or make him think I wasn’t grateful for his affection.
“Buddy, you need to sit down until its time for your bus,” I reminded him.
“I can’t… I just can’t stop hugging you… I’m attached,” he replied.
Another smile.
With that, I let him cling to me as I continued to call friends to line up, say our goodbyes, and go about the business of dismissal. All the while with a little sprout clinging to me.
Sometimes you have to pick your battles. Sometimes you can’t deny a good hug. Sometimes you can manage with a five-year-old clinging to you like his life depends on it. It’s nice to be loved.
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3 comments:
What a great way to end a day, even the week. :)
I can appreciate the spot you were in and love that you just let the little boy stay. As an administrator - I struggle with walking in a classroom and letting all the children hug me. Not because I don't love the hugs but I don't want to interrupt the teachers because no matter what the teacher is doing - every single child will run over and hug me. So I am in the process of figuring out how to find a balance. But so far, I am not finding that balance:) We are hug happy over here!
At the end of the day, teaching is all about reflecting. Sometimes battles are won with just a hug. You may never know what milestone that boy has now reached,or what inner battle has just been squashed, all because of that hug. That is a good reflection for the day.
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