Blog Week 3
I have worked with a child that came from a family of two
mothers, the Mothers were always talking about we should have things that
reflected all types of family. The
owners of the school told them that there were not photos of any family types
posted in the classroom. We did have
books that showed different family types.
The Mother’s for some reason decided that their little girl needed to
pass the message of how she can to be, to any little girl that would listen to
her. In this case we tried to get her play with everyone, she was told to stay
away from boys. When the Mother’s came
in asked that she not play with boys, I had to tell her that was not
possible. The little girl started
telling the little boys that they were the devil. After that time she was asked to leave the
school. In this case it was the lesbian
couple that caused the conflict. The
parents of the other children did not their children to play with her, after
the name calling started. I felt really bad that these parents would push their
child in that way; within a few weeks none of the children would play with
her. I met with Mothers again and
explain how the little girl was pushing the children away, that she needed to
take time to make friends instead of pushing them away. The child left the center saying we did not
work them.
Your story is very sad. I feel so bad for the child. Teaching her that boys are the devil will certainly make things difficult for her as she gets older.
ReplyDeleteCarmellia,
ReplyDeleteI haven't had the experience of working with same sex parents. However I do know a family that started out as a mother/father home then changed to two mothers in the home, but the children were not made to just play with boys or girls. I think it is important that diversity is displayed throughout the learning environment so that the children will have a visual of the different types of families.
That is so unfortunate that you had to ask a family to leave. I am also surprised that a family faced with these circumstances has chosen to impose such strong ideals in their own child knowing or having been through their own struggles with difference. I currently have a family in my center with two moms. I am happy to say there hasn't been any conflict or problems because of their unique family makeup. In fact it has really opened up our circle time discussions to difference and diversity. It has also inspired the teachers in our facility to really share and talk about how families are the same and different. The next project our program has taken on is a family wall, where families bring in a family picture and a short biography about their family to share at our center. Teachers are also encouraged to participate. I am very excited about this project and hope that all the families will participate.
ReplyDelete