People I'm Glad I Met
I received the baton from Keema @ Mind Shift Creator!
They wrote about how they became able to express themselves as a result of continuing to output on note.
I'm also the type who gets caught up in my emotions and struggles with self-expression, so it was very educational for me ^^
Also, I am participating in a membership-exclusive project by Saka-sensei, and I am writing this article as the 14th runner ^^
Spring is the season of "encounters" and farewells.
Since becoming a working adult, the frequency of my environment changing on an annual basis like it did when I was a student has decreased, but just the other day, I had a farewell with someone I felt "I'm so glad I met this person."
They are my child's nursery school teacher, and since they will be retiring at the end of this month, I would like to write a little bit about my interactions with them.
A few months ago, my child developed psychogenic urinary frequency (frequent urination caused by stress).
The trigger was a failed attempt at potty training.
While I knew in my head that as a preschooler, there are still many things they can't do, I was stressed and ended up scolding my child.
Furthermore, I put pressure on them about moving up a grade, telling them to eat by themselves and put on their own clothes, and it seems I pushed my child into a corner.
As a result, they started going to the bathroom about 20 times a day at their worst, and their hands became chapped from washing them so often.
Tests showed no abnormalities.
The pediatrician told me, "Please be more lenient with what your child does, and don't put too much pressure on them," and I felt like a failure as a parent for pushing my child so hard, which left me feeling very down.
Even though I tried to be gentle with my child, the frequent bathroom trips didn't stop... and as a parent, I was having days where I was mentally falling apart.
On top of that, it was a busy season at work, and I was pushed to my own limits as well.
Despite that situation, one day at pickup, the homeroom teacher handed me a note, saying, "I think it's hard to talk while your child is present, so please read this."
It contained observations of my child that day and a message for me.
If you have any worries or things you'd like to discuss, we can arrange a meeting, so please feel free to reach out anytime.
Honestly, I was at my mental breaking point, so I cried when I saw the teacher's note.
"Oh, I was at my limit, and I was suffering, wanting someone to help me. And it was my own tendency to push myself too hard that was manifesting in my attitude toward my child."
Looking back, I think realizing my own inner cry for help at that time and knowing there was someone I could rely on is what gradually changed the situation.
Even though the environment of being busy at work didn't change, I felt that because I had more room in my heart, the words I used with my child changed.
It was as if the tone of the same words was different.
By being conscious of not demanding perfection from myself or my child, I think my child's expression also gradually softened.
I became able to say, "It's okay to fail, just tell me early next time," while considering my child's feelings and also expressing what I needed them to do.
It was about a week later, I think.
Potty training was a success, my child gained confidence, and the number of bathroom trips gradually decreased.
The teacher's note saved our family.
Perhaps it would be more accurate to say it saved me, rather than the family.
Because of this event, I really relied on this teacher and hoped they would be the homeroom teacher for the next grade as well, but they will be retiring at the end of this month.
It seems they will be leaving the workplace for a while due to family circumstances.
Last Friday was the last day I could see the teacher, and I ended up crying in front of them during our final farewell, remembering my gratitude toward them and the painful feelings I had back then.
The teacher laughed heartily, but said this to me.
Looking back, you might wonder why you were so worried, but when you're in the moment, it's very easy to get caught up in worries, isn't it?
Especially with parent-child relationships, the distance is so close that things that might work with others can be difficult.
But you know, Mom.
Whenever you're worried like that, please talk to the childcare staff.
It doesn't have to be organized.
Listening to things like that is part of a childcare worker's duty, so please rely on us.
But I think that earnestness is also one of your good qualities, Mom.
Mom, you'll be fine. Your child is a wonderful person, and they will surely grow up beautifully.
Even at the end, they gave me words that encouraged me.
And finally, they gave me a hug, and we said goodbye.
Although our relationship was that of a parent and teacher, they were a teacher who taught important things not only to my child but also to me, the parent.
It's lonely to part ways, but I feel I must be grateful for such a wonderful encounter.
This has become like a diary entry, but I recorded it on note so that I wouldn't forget my encounter with this teacher.
April is finally starting.
Whether you are changing grades, starting a new job, changing workplaces, or beginning a life in a new place, I'm sure everyone is starting a new fiscal year in their own way, and I hope you all have wonderful encounters.
And I hope that the teacher who helped me also has wonderful encounters.
With that, I have made "encounter" my keyword.
The next runner is Kazu @ Weekend Farmer (Teruka Farm)!
They write about vegetables and nutrition, and it's very educational ^^
I'm passing the baton, so please take it from here!