Learning to get through

     ...We took out our puzzle boxes and 2 story books and decided we would start our stalls with this. Our regular bunch of children came and in a very organised manner started playing with the puzzles. We volunteers don't have to tell them anymore to work in groups or to share, they just automatically do it now. You can notice skills like reasoning, leadership qualities and ability to compromise while they are in a group...
    ...Later when the crafts stall started making the masks, kids started coming to us for help. One of the most impatient of the lot was Aamir. He wouldn't let me help anyone else unless I finished tying the rubber bands to his masks. Each time the rubber band slipped from my hand he would get a little bit angry and would mumble an insult. But in the end he did help me. He got more rubber bands and another mask (for his brother) and explained that his elder brother's head is much bigger than his so he needs more bands. Once the mask was ready, he was happy and his usual self. I've learned that if you want him to be nice to you, you have to be extra extra sweet to him. The minute he senses you being hostile or your tone changing, he becomes defensive.
  I know it's quite normal for us to loose temper and get angry, but we shouldn't be holding grudges or label certain children. They too are just getting used to us and we should be very patient till they can completely trust us. Only then will they even consider listening to us.

-- Jancy