It's Not Your Fault

Valerie's school this week decided to make it "Teacher Appreciation Week." A school flyer outlined that each day the students are expected to bring a specific item for each teacher. Monday, we took flowers. Tuesday, we brought candy. Today, we gave Jamba Juice gift certificates. And tomorrow, we have Bath & Body Works hand soap to offer. You get the sick idea.... Mind you, these are new teachers who have been in the classroom for less than a month.

As we purchased the hand soap today, Valerie asked what we were doing and why. As I explained to her the purpose for our expenditure, she asked if we could also purchase something for her old teachers, Miss Elba and Miss Olivia.

I told Valerie that we could not buy the soaps for her old teachers since they no longer work at the school. Moreover, we do not know how to reach them.

Valerie asked for the old teachers' current whereabouts, to which I expressed my lack of knowledge. Valerie continued to probe whether or not they would return to her school. In my view, that outlook appears quite unlikely.

She asked, "Mommy, do you think the teachers left because we didn't do a good job listening?"

And my heart broke. The poor child thinks she's to blame for their departure!

So, I responded, "Honey, the teachers had a disagreement with Miss Roni [the head of administration]. It's not your fault that your teachers left. Usually, you're a VERY good listener sweetheart!"

And people wonder why adults scar children. These little people often think it's their fault for the turmoil in the world. It really breaks my heart.