The Sun is Shining and All is Well...

(Note: This photo is of sweet, glorious children who have been
coming to my program for years...what I write about below does not apply to these children! )

I have been extremely frustrated lately with my library program lately. I have new people attending and it's been crazy...some of the new children are destructive and disruptive and the parent does nothing about it. I've also had to keep reminding the adults to be quiet while I read the stories to the children. It's been so defeating and exhausting and I've been coming home the past three weeks and just crying and I even thought that it was a sign that I shouldn't be doing it anymore...

But then when I get home and I talk to Dave about the highlights of my *show*, as he calls it (always my biggest fan, my sweet man), I realize over and over again: I Love My Job.

So I knew I had to walk through this challenge and as uncomfortable as it is at this time, it's in front of me for a reason...to grow, to learn. I have spent many hours on the phone with the library director and with my friends, helping me to get my heart in the right place about it all. I asked assistance from my ShineWithUnschooling list and they pulled through for me, as always, with wonderful ideas and sage advice.

Today I sent out a letter to everyone who attends...a friendly letter with information about how I am re-structuring the program to better suit our growing community.

I also listed what people could expect from me every week...and in return, I listed what I feel I should be able to expect from them (things that are obvious to my children and I, but that don't seem so obvious to all parents, I guess)...things like "It’s important to let your child know that it’s not the appropriate place to run or climb or swing or hide or to find secret places away from everyone else" and "If your child chooses to not participate in the Storytime portion of the program, it is important that you, the parent, communicate to the child that he/she needs to stay quiet during that time, out of respect for those who *are* there for the stories. It is also absolutely necessary for you, the parent, to show by example that this is the appropriate and respectful thing to do."

Here's what I wrote that they could expect from me every week:

· A program director who values the child’s perspective of the world…a place where children are heard, respected and celebrated.

· A positive, joyful and solid community atmosphere.

· Lots of really good books read by someone (me!) who is passionate and yet highly discriminating about children’s books. There are SO MANY children’s books out there, and I spend a lot of time reading through them to bring the ones I feel are the most enlightening, joyful, thought-provoking, interactive and appropriate for the children who attend my program. This is a challenge, given the wide age range of the participants! But I know each child will define each book experience according to his/her own perspective, and get out of it what he/she needs/wants to get out of it…and that’s what I really love about it.

· Craft materials and ideas carefully selected to give children the chance to work with various art and craft mediums, perhaps inspiring further exploration with the items after the child leaves the library.

· A musical experience integrating various musical instruments that the children get to play themselves and music CD’s, varying from well-known children’s songs to a wider range of music from around the world.

· A glorious assortment of books for you to check out of the Franklin Free Library. For such a small, rural library, Linda does a wonderful job of staying current with both children and adult titles. So please take advantage of this and check out some really great books for yourself and to read at home with your child.

· Puzzles, blocks, puppets and computer programs for your child to explore and play with.

I received incredible support today when I made phone calls to gather people's addresses so that I could send them the letter. So much good has come out of this challenging time, and people who have been coming to the program for years (this is my 5th year of doing the program) have spoken up and told me how much they value it and how thankful they are for my hard work week after week.

My friend, Lynn, who has been coming for 3 years, and whose children I have watched grow and blossom right before my eyes wrote a note to *me* before she even knew that I was sending a letter to *her* because she saw that I was less-than-my-typical-joyful-Self on Monday. I'd like to share her note:

Dear Anne,
This is just a little note of thanks for all you do to make the library program so special. I don't say often enough how much we have benefited and enjoyed the programs you put together each week. From the crafts that inspire unique creativity, to the music that adds joy, to the stories that match the children's interests and humor...you are wonderful!

Things have seemed to be a little *crazier* than usual lately and I'm sure it is difficult to put so much effort into the program when it is not being respected. I'll try harder to keep my kids under control. Thank you again for all you do. Love, Lynn
P.S. ~ Hugs sent from Abby & Nate!

We picked up our mail on the way to get our pizza and I cried all the way to the pizza place! I LOVE how the Universe works and how you get what you need when you put forth your intent and desire...

So, I'm trusting that all will be well on Monday. I'm not sure if it will be well with the one family, but I know I have more support now and I know that I've stated how it needs to be, so if things are still crazy, I can ask this one person to perhaps stay at home where her children can be Free without the limitations of being at the library.

It's a glorious Spring sunset tonight...the bluebirds are busy with their nest-building, Jake and I saw a male and female cardinal yesterday at our feeder, the sun is warming my soul and nurturing my spirit...all feels good...all is truly well.