“I will wait for you.”
“Take your time.”
“You make my day better.”
I say those words to my slow-moving, happy-go-lucky, Noticer of life child.
I watch as grateful eyes light up and tiny shoulders relax.
Those words are Soul-Building Words to her.
“Mistakes mean you are learning.”
“It doesn’t have to be perfect.”
“Okay, you can have a few more minutes to work on your project.”
I say those words to my driven, contentious planner and pursuer of dreams child.
I watch as pressure escapes from her chest and aspirations soar higher.
Those words are Confidence-Boosting Words to her.
“I appreciate you.”
“I’m listening.”
“You matter.”
I say those words to my hard-working, often underappreciated love of my life.
I watch as tensions loosen, eyes meet, and conversation comes easier.
Those words are Affirming and Connective Words to him.
“It’s good enough for today.”
“Be kind to yourself.”
“Today matters more than yesterday.”
I say those words to my own perfection-seeking, worrisome heart that tends to replay past mistakes.
I watch as my clenched hands open and tears fall as scars come to the surface.
Those are Healing, Hope-Filled Words to me.
By: Rachel Macy Stafford
-Submitted by a parent of 3 graduates from our school. She said this poem immediately made her think of our school environment and teachers!
Montessori can be a life-changing environment if you embrace it. I love the individual bonds that are formed between teachers and students. Also, the confidence that the children gain as a result of learning to do things on their own carries over into every other aspect of their lives.
— Rachael & Jimmy Hernandez (Parents of a Current Student and 4 Graduates)