Have you ever listened to a child? Truly listened? Just let them tell their story without any judgement or correction. They always have a lot to say. Kids are generally an open book, freely giving their heart or sharing their imagination.
What about those kids who have a difficult time communicating(for one reason or another)? Have you listened to them? They have the same stories as every other child, but you need to change that definition of listening, and you need to take the time to do it. You can no longer just listen with your ears. You now have to watch and observe. Watch their body language as they interact with the world. That saying, “the eyes are the window to the soul,” really begins to have a meaning. Their eyes will tell you so much and they are willing to tell you their story but you have to be able to take the time to listen.
I work with children everyday who have a tough time communicating. Whether it is with interactions or something as simple as their basic wants/needs. But just because they cannot communicate the “typical” way does not mean their story cannot be heard. Each of my students have a BIG personality, and it shines through when you just take the time to listen. All their emotions are right there, in their eyes and in their body language.
We help them with their communication skills everyday because we want them to be able to tell us how they feel or what they need. However, at the same time we have to be able to meet them half way. We cant expect them to only do it our way, without taking the time to do it their way too.
A lot of people tell me they don’t have the patience to do what I do day in and day out. That it would be difficult for them.
Let me tell you a secret: it’s not patience, it has nothing to do with that (although, yes, I do have a lot of that too). It has EVERYTHING to do with understanding…
Proverbs 3, “Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her.” **Always look for the lessons in life**
The understanding about why someone has a lack of communication, or social skills; an understanding that the “way its supposed to be done” means nothing to some kids. We can’t just expect them to just do it our way. The learning process takes time and even then, sometimes 1+1 doesn’t always equal to 2 in their mind. Its not because they are not trying though. They try, in their own way, on their time and sometimes we just miss it. How are we supposed to teach them skills if we are not willing to step into their world first. Into the world of a child who loves to color, or into the world of a child who loves dramatic play (yes, this can all be done with little to no communication skills). Into the world of a child who has a tough time with change, or who has so much energy they do not know how to contain it.
Its about a give and take. About using their strengths in order to help in the areas where they are struggling. About helping to find who they are and what makes them so unique and showing them that through that, they can accomplish things.
Most people do not take the time to listen though. (This is also a reason why I know I wont ever struggle to find a job in my field). It’s almost as if our lives are moving at warped speed because we have so many different things going on, and we don’t know how to slow it down. Work, paperwork, school, family life, social life; it all affects us on a daily basis. Stress becomes normal, over-thinking becomes normal, worrying becomes normal. Each of these things has a major affect on how we go about our day. Most people are in overdrive and miss the things in life that really matter.
And this is why I ask, HAVE YOU STOPPED TO LISTEN?
My students teach me things everyday because I make sure to listen to them. I watch their eyes and their body language. I listen to what they have to tell me, even when they don’t have words.
Children have very basic needs. And no matter what, they always find a way to shine through, even when the goings get tough. They have this love of life and the simple things within it. We should all take the time to listen and observe. Although we educate them, they have so much more to teach us. God put children on earth and into our lives for a reason. We can’t be so proud as to not take in all of what life has to teach us.
Jer. 29:11 “For I know the plans for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
Take the time out of your busy day and focus on those little but important things again. Listen to a child and have him/her tell you their story, even if there is a communication barrier. Slow your life down and see how life becomes much simpler when you worry less. Have faith that things will work out as it is meant to be. Live in the today, and don’t let moments pass you by. Appreciate what you have, spend time with family and friends. Share your love, hope and faith with others. Share your story because you never know when it will have a positive influence on someone else. See the light that shines through others eyes, and listen to their stories. Count your blessings, because there are many of them. Live a fulfilling life because thats what God intended you to do. Follow the path created for you and don’t look back.
Matthew 6:22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light.”
