Happy Children Vs. Sad/Angry Children

          "Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it."

-  Proverbs 22:6

            "Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward."- Psalm 127:3

           I know the title sounds strange but when you have worked with both, you can really tell the difference. I use to work with just "normal" preschools so I didn't know there was a difference but after working at a children's shelter things are never the same, when you go back to a "normal" preschool. The children at both places have or will touch your life in different ways. Of course, it is more relaxing at a "normal" preschool compared to a children's shelter and the preschools are more my type of relaxation.
            One big thing that I can tell at a "normal" and happy preschool is that the children are more happier and if they are not, it doesn't take a lot of work to get them in a happy mood again. Sometimes all you need to do is hold them, talk to them, or even tickle them and they are happy again. They also really don't cry all the time. The classroom is peaceful compared to that of a children's shelter. You would have maybe 3 or 4 out of 12 crying at the same time instead of all 12 of them. Another major thing is that it really does help when you have 12 babies to have at least 3 to 4 teachers in just that classroom.
           Another big thing I can tell that is really different is babies do like and have a routine if they are raised and loved on right. Like I said, it is more peaceful in the room with "normal" babies and that is because you know when they are sleepy or ready to eat. They will only cry when they want something instead of that uncontrollable cry. I never thought much of a routine. I know I have been taught that it is a good thing but until I saw the difference between the two "kinds" of children, I never really put that much thought into it. I just thought, "oh! another one of the crazy ideas that the world has." I love seeing the difference because it just helps me say that I am more experience in children then some people since I have seen both sides.
            I can honestly say that I never saw or barely seen a baby smile at the children's shelter, even when I would try by tickling or smiling at them and that is really sad. It makes me SO happy when I can laugh and tickle a baby in a preschool and hear them laugh and see them smile. I think, after working at a children's shelter for 2 and a half years, I want to make the "normal" babies smile and laugh more because it makes my day and it is great for them too. I think a hard part was not seeing those children smile as often as they should as a child. Childhood is suppose to be about fun and happy times and for children at the shelter it wasn't and if that is what you believe, it is hard for you and the children.
             You can also tell that the babies in the Preschool are in good health compared to the ones at the shelter. It is just strange and amazing how God makes our bodies even and especially as babies. Then to have a mom's thought pattern towards the baby or any women's for that matter is amazing too. The babies and children at the shelter need a lot more Physical therapy, speech therapy, and OT then the babies or children and a "normal" preschool and just seeing the difference in that is really sad too. I mean every children and baby at the preschool I work at now can walk perfectly, while some at the shelter that I had, they were one or almost one and could not crawl yet. They were so behind.
              Everyday or time I make a baby smile or see one smile, I think back to the shelter and it just gets my heart sad to even think about "how many times did I really see a child or baby smile there?" Very few times. I think God was right about moving me onto another preschool job. I would love to help out when I can of the "shelter" type children but I know I have my limits on my "compassion scale" and I think 2 and a half years were enough for right now, maybe a little too much if I was honest with myself.
                If you have children or ever want children or if you are in charge of some right now like I am, remember this entry. It does make a difference on how you treat a child. I really think having those two jobs will make me a better mom in the future if God Willing. Maybe too good of a mom? I know I have my limits though or I should have them. We'll see when the time comes.