Sisyphus and the Itsy Bitsy Spider

Working with Children

by Jim Hartsell

Order Sisyphus and the Itsy Bitsy Spider

Price of Book
$25.00 US

Questions?
E-Mail to
Ithaca Press
books@ithacapress.com
(607) 273-2870

Trust Movement   

A quote I have attached to my computer monitor is from Alfred Adler.  It says, “Trust only movement.  Life happens at the level of events not of words.  Trust movement.” 

I see great value in this point of view.  Many of the students with whom I have worked can talk the talk much better than they can walk the walk.  

The same is true of some of the staff members working with these difficult children.   

It is easy to talk about change in regard to others.  It is impossible to force change in others.  We can arrange things to encourage and promote change, but the final decision about whether or not to change belongs to the person himself or herself.  No one else.   

It is also easy, but somewhat less so, to talk about change within ourselves as educators and parents.  It is possible, but definitely not easy, to create change within our own lives.  The final decision lies within us. 

What does this mean for us as educators and caregivers?  In our professional lives, we can take a stand that says, “This is what I know is important.  This is what I can and cannot accept.  This is where I stand today and will stand again tomorrow.”  Backing that kind of statement up with actions is essential if we want to be taken seriously.   

Trust only movement applies to us too.   
 

Attending to and trusting movement is important 

Watch for and encourage real movement on the part of our children toward a place and an understanding about what is real and useful and important.  Words are good and useful; they are one of the primary ways we communicate with each other.  Keeping lines of communication open is critical if educators and parents are to help guide these difficult children toward a place where there is less external control and more self-control.  Words, however, cannot demonstrate this change. 

Movement is how we demonstrate real change, to ourselves and to others. 

Recognizing the importance of movement toward a goal is critical to helping children with behavior problems move beyond the place where they need our help.  In Sisyphus and the Itsy Bitsy Spider: Working with Children by Jim Hartsell, the fact that working with children can be both a challenging and rewarding endeavor is explored in more detail.  For more information, visit www.JimHartsell.com.

Copyright © 2008 – 2009 Ithaca Press ~ All Rights Reserved