When I read the description
for this assignment I knew immediately the person I wanted to talk about. Yesterday was the 4th of July and
I spent time with my grandmother. My
father’s mother is a feisty woman and always speaks her mind. In my household growing up there were several
topics that were off limits. I remember
wanting to talk to my parents about sex, drugs and life questions and the
answers were always short or ignored. I
felt as though I lived in a bubble and when it was time for me to go off to college,
I did not feel prepared. I called my
grandmother the day before I left for school and our 3hr conversation changed
my life. She was so open to all my
questions and answered all of them thoroughly.
After that conversation I began calling her once a week just to
talk. Over the years I have watched how
she communicates with others and I have admired her strength. Sometimes my granny can be a bit to blunt,
but underneath it all is love. She told once
that sometimes the truth hurts but that was a part of life.
I value the many lessons
that I have learned about communication through my grandmother. In my work with children and families, I have
learned how to be gentle when talking to them about sensitive topics, but I
have also learned that no matter how sensitive the subject may be I have to be
honest. I think that is so important in
our field. I have worked with educators
who only believed in telling the parents good things and never wanted to relay
bad news. In the long run it was the
child that suffered because the truth wasn’t being told about the issues he/she
was having. It
is a necessity and not an extra to exhibit good communication skills to our
parents as well as their children.
Keli I think that is wonderful, that you were able to confide in your grandmother. The way you feel about your grandmother is the way I feel about my father. I can go to my father about anything, regardless the topic, and look forward to hearing the honest truth. Although sometimes it did hurt, it helped make me who I am today.
ReplyDeleteKeli,
ReplyDeleteYou are so lucky to still have your grandmother to give you the wisdom we need. I have also been called blunt too.....but I have never been one to sugar coat issues. I try not to hurt anybody's feelings too but it is what is is...If I were a parent I would want to know both the good and the bad about my child. The child will suffer definitely in the long run..Thanks for your post.
I really enjoyed reading your post. Like yours, my grandmother gives the best advice, and her wisdom is invaluable. Its sounds like not only is your grandmother an effective communicator but that she has also impacted your life for the better.
ReplyDeleteHi Keli,
ReplyDeleteYou mentioned that you have worked with those who only want to say positive things about the children to the parents. I have had this conversation with my staff many times. It is so important to be able to communicate when there are negative or concerning things going on with the child. Many of the staff, I feel, are afraid to say anything for fear of the parents anger or blame. But if something is not said, the parents will eventually want to know why. I agree with you: it is best to be upfront and honest with parents for the child's benefit. Thanks, Keli.
BethAnn