i'm so happy to see you.

really. those words can go SUCH a long way when working with kids.

i saw this first hand today with an adorable 4-year-old boy. a few weeks ago he was really shy and hesitant to start therapy at the outpatient center @ the hospital down here in Hilton Head. my supervisor taught me something so obvious, but so paramount for kids in our profession. as soon as they walk in that door, you tell them you are so happy that they came today and offer to give them a big hug. at the end of every session end on a good note and tell them how proud you are of them for working so hard during the session.

seriously: this kid has gone from zero to hero in about 4 sessions (2 weeks!) in just the way he attends to activities, trusts my supervisor with instructions, and overall progress in his therapy goals. who knew that rapport and affirmation could go so far? i'm into doing (and receiving) lots of this.

because really---how often do children, especially from low SES backgrounds, get positive affirmation from their caregivers/people in their environment? usually they are told not to do things, instead of being affirmed in the things that they do well. honestly...do we as children ever change?

oh and another thing: instead of telling kids to "don't run! don't bounce the ball! don't ____" redirect them because kids have difficulty processing negatives at first such as no, not, etc. they are more likely to follow what you tell them to do, rather than what they can't do. a little duh and aha! moment to remember from today.

here's to loving children simply. because that can go that far.