I can honestly say...I am played out!

 Well...at least for now!  We have a week of no children as we prepare for the start of the new school year.  In order for the preschool/daycare teachers to get things switched over and cleaned up, we don't have childcare available this next week.  For those who have never worked in this situation, let me tell you, it is a blessed break!  For those who have worked with small children who aren't yours for extended periods of time, you understand the need for a reprieve!  You must make wise business decisions...I get that.  If you want people to continue the business of childcare...they need a break!

 We painted with fly swatters!

 We talked about "bouncy hair" and other strange observations at the oddest times in various places.

 We  stamp-painted with blocks.

 We glued papers and ourselves.

 We got to sit in a police cruiser and see "his little screens so he can watch his movies" per Little L's take on the inside of the vehicle.  We dodged the goose poop that was ALL OVER the parking lot and sidewalk.  We talked about the goose parade that we saw every morning.  We practiced walking like geese, "but don't poop like the gooses!  That wouldn't be good, would it, Mrs. Kari?!"

 We made ice cream in the ziploc bags...

 that didn't freeze till we put it overnight in the freezer and had to wait till the next day.  My first pinterest fail!

 We whapped and bopped each other.

 We colored all over, around, under, and inside of big boxes.  We fought with markers and wrote on our so-called friends.

 We talked on banana phones, smashed grapes/blueberries/strawberries on the floor, and spilled drinks all over multiple times.

 We got to eat sweet treats...

 and we really liked that!

 We played a lot!  We learned how to do a few more things for ourselves!  We picked up toys.

 We made lots of messes!  We argued and teased.  We bit, kicked, hit, and spit.  We cried and screamed.  We threw fits.  We refused to take naps.  We colored on the tables and floor.

 The gals that helped me were awesome!  They enjoyed the activities with our friends...

 and helped me with clean up with smiles on their faces!

 We played outside.   We played inside.  We worked very hard to keep things fun and keep things moving.

 We dressed up and played pretend.  We smooshed playdough.

 Now it is time for this lead teacher to take a small break...and let the parents enjoy their children!  I will resume the role of teacher's aide for the fall.  I have been reminded many times over...there are things that I am not responsible for as a teacher!  There are things that  parents must do at home in order for their children to have positive experiences and results in the classroom setting.  It is hard work!  It is grueling and makes you tired.  May I offer just a word of advice or caution...don't rip apart what is happening in that classroom setting...until you have watched it in action!  Our children...however old or young...only give parents the information they want them to have about situations.  That is called manipulation and they are pros at it!  I shouldn't be amazed, yet I am by how many three and four year olds yank their parents around...often knowingly!
How many parents (ok, any adults) would be willing to be with 13-15 three/four year olds for four to eight hours a day?  My point exactly!  You have one child (or possibly two or three) this age at your home.  We have many in our care.  Please remember that!  It all has to work together for the good of everyone, and that is why there are rules.  If you don't like it, there may be another place open somewhere else for you that will operate all about you.  Let me know how that works out!  Parents, we need to teach our children how to do right and be right...and the best parenting book there is...the BIBLE!

In our daycare/preschool, we are not miracle workers.  We are not maids.  We are not customer service reps.  Yes, we may wear those hats throughout the course of each day, but remember, we are educated professionals who love and care about your child.  You made the choice, for whatever reason, to have them stay with us.  We look out for their safety and well-being during the hours that you leave them in our care.  We share truth from God's Word in tangible ways throughout the day.  We really appreciate the kind words and looks of appreciation on those days when all 13-15 children have been opposed to every. single. thing. you. have. done. for. them!  Our whole group is in desperate need of a break...and today...was the reminder!