Merry Christmas

I would like to take this time to personally thank the readers of this blog for a fantastic first year. When I started out writing down my frustrations and objections I did so for selfish reasons. However, little by little providers started logging on daily to read my thoughts. I had no idea that the small, seemingly insignificant thoughts of one person could be shared by so many. Your support and acknowledgement has impacted me more than you could possibly imagine.

I wish all of you the very merriest of the holiday season. I hope all of you experience the magic of the season while surrounded by loved ones. For those of you who have chosen to take some time off over the next two weeks I wish you much rest and relaxation.

For those providers who will be travelling this holiday I send out some positive vibes of safety and security to you and your family. I hope you all arrive safely at whatever destination you set out for.

My heartfelt thanks and gratitude goes out to each and every one of you. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I look forward to 'seeing' you all again in 2010!

Most appreciatively,

Judy

For concerns, advice or suggestions I welcome your email at judytrickett@yahoo.ca

Why Attitude Matters

Today was rough. I woke up with cautious optimism and to the sound of Christmas music on my radio. I got up, showered and sat down to one precious cup of coffee before my two daycare children arrived. Thursday is my easy day and I looked forward to being able to both catch my breath and catch up on some much needed chores.

The door bell rang and I open it up feeling the frigid air rush into my warm, quiet home. I was happy to see my Golden Parent and my very best daycare child arrive on time and with a smile. Mom, as always wished me a great day and left with a sense of security that her child would be in good hands. I too had a great feeling as this one parent truly understands what it is I do each and every day. This parent is a gem. Sadly, true gems can not be reproduced.

My next knock at the door presented me with the morning's first burst of sunshine and the cutest child to ever walk the earth. Again, parents who are diamonds in the rough. These are my newest parents to my daycare and we are still getting to know each other, testing out the waters and finding some mutual respect and admiration in the process.

Yes, life was good. My cautious optimism turned into pure positivity and I carried on with my much anticipated easy day. And then, as often happens, the perfect world of daycare came crashing down yet again. Like a repetitive drumming in my head yet another parenting forum reared its ugly and ill-conceived ideals of the worth of daycare providers. It's not a new concept nor is it a quiet secret whispered behind closed doors. It is ever present. I know not why it still bothers me; but it does. Perhaps it is my refusal to be viewed as "less than". Or perhaps I simply can not let naysayers spew misnomers.

Why is it that as daycare providers we are possibly the most under appreciated workforce of society? What is it about our jobs that is so lacking of worth and recognition? Yes, today I changed a child who literally pooped up her backside. Ten minutes, twenty wipes, and a change of clothes later I completed a chore that would make most people gag. And I did so with a smile. No, changing poop is not glamorous. But the fact that daycare providers do this for a non-related person should warrant more merit rather than less. We all know the two jobs in society that are the most diminished are those of cleaning up garbage and cleaning up defecation. I'm not sure why this is. If anything they should incur gratitude.

And while I cleaned up this child I replayed those forum posts in my head. And it made me angry. It angered me because of the holier-than-thou attitudes some parents bestow upon daycare providers. We are looked down upon. And the lack of respect is so discernible that it is unpalatable. And now it is apparent that not only are we not deserving of respect and common decency we are also not entitled to the fees we charge, the contracts we forge or the vacation time or pay we so badly need. It is obvious an enormous double standard exists.

Monday morning I will get up and be cautiously optimistic yet again. And, no doubt I will change poop and wipe snot and I will do it with a smile on my face. This alone - this perseverance to continue on despite the blatant disregard and contempt of parents like those on that forum tell me one thing - that I am the one more worthy of respect. You see, like every other daycare provider I could easily go out and get a job that paid more, required less hours, offered full benefits, vacation and bonuses. But I don't. Why? Because despite all the naysayers and parsimonious parents what I do matters. Maybe not to them, but to their kids it does.

Let them have their attitudes and opinions. I know I am right. I know that most daycare providers are good people who do the very best they can. People like these - disrespectful daycare parents - are never going to change. I realize now that they are jealous. Jealous of our ability to stay home and cope with poop and snot and crying all day long. Jealous that we spend more time with their child than they do. They harbour anger and bitterness. And for nine hours a day I will offer their child something else. They are lucky to have me.

For all of those parents who "get it". Know that your daycare provider knows it unequivocally. They cherish you. Keep on doing what you're doing. YOU allow us to get out of bed every day and do what it is we do. YOU allow us to keep that smile on our face while we change the child who has pooped up their backside. So, to all those parents. We collectively thank you.



For concerns, advice or suggestions I welcome your email at judytrickett@yahoo.ca

Festivus For The Rest Of Us

Dictionary Definition:

Festivus: A secular holiday celebrated on the 23rd day of December. The holiday celebration includes a "Festivus Pole", the "Airing of Grievances", "Feats of Strenghts" and the explainable events of the "Festivus Miracles".

Sometimes I wish I was not raised in a Christian orientated household. I can not claim to be a religious person. I do not attend church and do not practice prayer. But we do, as many, celebrate Christmas in it's traditional sense. But if I was completely honest I would also admit that a big part of me hates Christmas. It is such a commercial event. Spending money buying gifts that most people don't want nor do they need. Purchasing toys for children that will either break or find the dark recesses of the closet before January nears an end. In short, it is a busy time of year that leads to stress and empty pockets.

If you are anything like me there is also part of you that cringes with the anticipation of having to sit and have dinner and partake in cordial exchanges with dysfunctional family members and relatives you see annually at best. You put on your panty hose and that most uncomfortable bra and head out, crock pot precariously perched on your lap while you politely (it is Christmas after all) remind your husband that sharp corners mean meatballs and sauce will stain your dress. You finally arrive at your destination, step out of the car, read your kids the riot act one last time and take in a deep, cleansing breath. At that one moment in the year your belief in God is monumental. You silently utter a prayer asking God to get you through this day and not have anything occur that might make the six o'clock news.

We've all been there. But there's a better way - 'Festivus' for the rest of us!

I love 'Festivus'. What a great holiday celebration. There is no tongue biting. You don't have to pretend to enjoy Aunt Milly's Jello mould and there are no old man relatives to hug that make you feel uncomfortable. Nope, none of that happens at 'Festivus'. 'Festivus' is full of truth and honesty and that uplifting feeling you get when you have just laid it all out on the line. You feel free and liberated and light.

I am pondering the thought of replacing my annual daycare party with a 'Festivus' party. Perhaps I could invite the parents too. We could all stand around the 'Festivus' pole, taking our turn holding on to it and 'Airing our Grievance's. And boy, would I be standing up there a mighty long time. No doubt, that those airing of grievances will get pretty heated which, as is human nature, ultimately lead to the 'Feats of Strength'. Yep, I'm pretty sure I can slam Johnny's mom to the floor in a millisecond. And then, when all the sweat and blood is cleaned up and our souls are all open and clear the parents could sit back on my couch and enjoy a few 'Festivus' drinks while they witness the 'Festivus Miracle' of their child's ability to clean up the toy room all on his own or get his coat on without assistance. What a wonderful day it would be. We would all share a few laughs at the freedom our souls now experience and bid each other a Merry Christmas.

Maybe Christmas would be better for everyone if we celebrated 'Festivus' first. Get it all out there on the 23rd so that on Christmas Day we don't have to argue at the table and instead enjoy our Turkey and not worry about what will come out of Uncle Ned's mouth after a few glasses of wine. Yeah, 'Festivus' shouldn't be for the rest of us; it should be for all of us.

I'm off now to amend my December daycare calendar and alert the parents to the new holiday tradition. Johnny's mom might want to get a few reps in on the weights in the next week and pick up a few gauze strips on the way home from work. Hey, ya' know, I'm really looking forward to this.

'Festivus' for everyone!

For concerns, advice or suggestions I welcome your email at judytrickett@yahoo.ca

Occupational Hazards

There are occupational hazard in any job. When you accept your position in any given career you also accept those responsibilities and pitfalls that accompany that position. Unfortunately, however, many people make the assumption that home daycare providers, babysitters to most, bear no risk. Nothing could be further from the truth.

The role of home daycare provider is one of patience, tolerance and business savvy. We wear many hats and fulfill more roles in the course of one day than many people do in a lifetime. We are chief cook and bottle washer, health and safety officer, live entertainment, garbage collector and business manager all in one. We endure airborne snot, smeared poop, food remnants, ear piercing screams and rude parents. But the biggest risk, if we are not careful, is that to both our health and our hearts.

Today I have the luxury of working while sick. Of course, every one of those ten snot filled nostrils that lay asleep right now in my daycare room are to thank for my present predicament. It is nearly impossible not to fall victim to their disease process when sneezed upon multiple times a day. Add to this the fact that every thing in my playroom, if put under a microscope, would prove to have spit particulate of some sort. Daycare children are ticking time bombs of infection. Anyone and everyone in their path will be stricken with the illness of the week and those kids will bat not an eye at their prey as they fall down, kleenex in hand into a pile of exhaustion on the playroom floor. Nope, kids don't care. Is it any wonder that when a child arrives at my door, clear snot dripping from their nose I feel less sorry for them than I do resentful of their presence? I know, undeniably that the snot they possess today will be my acquired state tomorrow. But alas, parents don't care. Off they go on their merry way to a work place where people actually wipe their noses instead of letting it drip into their mouths and hand sanitizer is in endless supply. In short, they don't have to wipe their kids nose and they don't care that I do.

Parents don't care in other regards either. Parents really don't care if my name is Judy or Sally or Jane. They simply want my warm body to open the door and take their snot ridden child for the day so that they might skip off to their kid-free, snot-free work environments where they will chat with co-workers over coffee about the sky-high price of daycare and their designer jeans.

Oh, I know what you are all thinking. Undoubtedly there will be someone who reads this blog who vehemently disagrees with my opinion. Well, let me say something to those people; actions speak louder than words. I've seen it all and I can say with complete unadulterated honesty that parents think of themselves. They don't think of their kids and they certainly don't think of their daycare provider. No, what's good for the parent is good for the parent.

I had the great (mis) fortune of caring for a family of two children over the course of five years. I was silly enough to assume I was a special part of their life. Our daughters forged strong, dependent friendships. They shared birthday parties, outings and little girl secrets. I welcomed those children into my home, my heart and my family. I was stupid and made the assumption that my family was a special part of their family. This was mistake number one; never make assumptions about anything. But the truth can become painfully evident quickly and when it does it slaps you upside the head like a character in a long ago silent movie. Before you know it you wonder what the hell just happened. You stand there stupefied and confused. And so it is with daycare families. When push came to shove it was money and my desire to be fair to me that prompted their decision to leave after five years of dedicated service and forged friendships. Oh sure, there were promises to keep in touch and allow the girls to remain friends. You know, all those things you say while standing eye to eye. But in the end words are just words. They mean nothing in an of themselves.

If I were standing at a podium addressing a room full of green, glassy-eyed, excited newbies to daycare I would offer them this important advice; think of you first. Everyone else comes second. And, I would mean every word. Do not fall prey to the preconceived notion that parents actually care about you or your family; they don't. Parents care for themselves and their children - so should you. Always do what is best for you. If you don't then two things are sure to happen. First, you will be hurt and angry and second, you will become resentful. Always better to be guarded and save yourself the heartache. Daycare is a business. Good business people do not get emotionally involved; neither should you. Open your doors, accept your cheques, do your best work and at the end of the day close your door and go on with your life. That is all that is required.

I am often cited as being too harsh, too selfish. I beg to differ. I am a business woman first and foremost. Yes, I am in the business of caring for children. I do care for them - and well, I might add. But my relationship with both them and their parents end there. I make no claims and offer no grand illusions of anything more. I am good at what I do and that, in and of itself should be enough of anyone to ask of me. There is no shame in preparing yourself for the occupational hazards of home daycare. Just as I drink my wheat grass juice and green tea and take my multivitamin every morning to prevent illness so do I put on my business hat to avoid financial difficulty and emotional heartache. It is loss prevention, plain and simple. And every good company under the sun has a loss prevention department. It's yet another hat you must wear.








For concerns, advice or suggestions I welcome your email at judytrickett@yahoo.ca

Kids Are Sociopaths

The title says it all. This week a study was released by Dr. Leonard Mateo of the University of Minnesota stating that children under the age of ten are "remorseless sociopaths". I couldn't agree more. As I write this I can already see the masses of parents everywhere shaking their heads and rolling their eyes and cursing Dr. Mateo to an early death. I tend to think he deserves a lot of credit for stating, albeit the obvious to those who work with children, the truth about those we deem to be most innocent. Children are not innocent. Naive, immature, and irrational, yes. But innocent - not in a million years.

Quoting from the words of Dr. Mateo:

"....most adults are completely unaware that they could be living among callous monsters who would remorselessly exploit them to obtain something as insignificant as an ice cream cone or a new toy."

Hmmm...really? Because I have been saying that all along. Where is my published piece in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry? Oh yeah, I guess one must attend post graduate studies for half their adult life to claim to know those truths.

I think it pertinent to first understand the word sociopath. The clinical definition states: Individuals with this disorder have little regard for the feeling and welfare of others. Sounds familiar, doesn't it? I'm pretty sure little Johnny wasn't considering the welfare of his friend Sally this summer when he hit her on the head with the sand pail. And I'm also certain Johnny didn't care that Tommy would get hurt when he pushed him down and stole his Duplo. Yep, that proves it - Johnny's a sociopath.

If the study was worthy then fifty percent of the children in my care are future Ted Bundys and Marilyn Mansons. They certainly exhibit all of those traits and attributes of known and defined sociopathy. I guess I better think about something akin to the witness protection plan by the time Johnny reaches eighteen. No doubt he will harbour resentment toward me his entire sociopathic life for making him clean up the play room and sit in the crying corner for accosting his friends.

My favourite quote from the study was, "sociopaths often display superficial charm, pathological lying, manipulative behaviors, and a grandiose sense of self-importance. After observing 700 children engaged in everyday activities, Mateo and his colleagues found that 684 exhibited these behaviors at a severe or profound level." This quote struck me quite profoundly because I have had a child in my care quite like this. I'm sure you have too. You know the one - the child who refuses to play but would rather watch because she deems herself to "good" to interact with the likes of others. This same child will shoot you a chilling stare of snarling proclivity. She knows she's got you over a barrel and short of beating her with a stick there is nothing you can do to force her to interact or comply to the daily routine. At pick-up time this child turns into a complete demonic monster upon the arrival of her parents. She smuggly smiles at you with a message of 'check mate'. It takes every fibre of restraint you can muster not to lose your cool and do something that would warrant a visit by the authorities.

The situations Dr. Mateo cites most definitely occur. I agree there are children who exhibit these characteristics. But the argument that exists is are these children really sociopathic or are they simply the product of poor parenting practices? I believe they are the latter. I have often had children in my care who are pleasant, well behaved children from the time their parents exit until the moment they reappear. These children are wonderful for me but little devils for their parents. Unless these children possess dual personalities that are time delayed to occur at exactly 7:30 am and 4:30pm I will argue that it is parenting that accounts for their change in demeanour and not a psychiatric state.

Dr. Mateo is half correct. I do believe we all have the ability and the innate tendency to be selfish monsters with no regard for others. It is in our genes. We are, after all, merely animals like those of nature. We are arrogant to think a few thousand years of domesticity can change our DNA and all of our thought processes. However, from an early age we can be moulded to think otherwise and understand that our desires are often harmful to others. We can not afford, as a society to be selfish. Unfortunately, parents everywhere are dropping the ball. In short, we ARE raising sociopaths. We are creating them and we, as parents, need to accept our responsibility in that role. But we have a choice. It doesn't have to be that way.

I wish Dr. Mateo could pay me a visit one day. I would love for him to observe my suspected sociopath. I suspect, however, that he has more important things to do with his time. So for now, I'll just stick to plastic forks and hope she doesn't acquire the manual dexterity to whittle down Barbie doll legs into sharp, pointy objects. And in the mean time I'll try not to look into her demon eyes and I will check in to that witness protection program.



For concerns, advice or suggestions I welcome your email at judytrickett@yahoo.ca

Dear Santa

Dear Santa,

I have been a very good girl all year long. Okay, maybe good is overrated. Would you settle for tried my best? Santa, I really did try my best all year. I know that you bring wonder and joy to all the angelic and demonic children in my care and I was hoping there might be a little something under the tree for me too on Christmas day. You see, Santa, I am not a selfish person and I really do hope that you can fulfill both the wishes of the items I want for myself and others. It would really be appreciated if you could read my list and stuff the much needed items in your big red bag for the trip to my house. Okay Santa, here is my list:

Corks - I would love some corks, Santa, for the super pooper I have in care. I used to have lots of corks from all of the wine I drank after I closed the door at the end of the day but now the winery's all have the big idea that screw tops are as good as corks. I could explain more Santa, but since we have no chimney you will have to use the garage door code and once you step into my garage your nostrils will be filled with the scent of half frozen, yet still fermenting poop. Are we clear now, Santa?

Ear Plugs - These would be much appreciated on all those days the kids will just not stop crying and screaming. If you're not sure how many pairs then ensure there is a pair for, at the very least, every Monday of the next year. Better yet, just bring me an Ipod.

Wine - Any kind is good, Santa. No non-alcoholic brands though. As a side note - I make better cookies when I am drinking wine.

Hard Liquor - This is my back up plan in case you don't bring enough wine.

Books - I would like some plastic encased, toxic books to place on my daycare shelf. Any book that emits an electric shock if tasted would work too. It seems Santa, that those cast off paper books you brought my own children have made their way to the daycare room and the kids there see them as a food source.

Tape - Yes Santa, if you fail to bring the books I will need lots of this.

Patience - I know you brought me some of this stuff last year but I seem to have misplaced mine. I keep looking for it but then I just get annoyed that I can't find it.

If you will notice Santa, I don't ask for much. I know there are a lot of other children and daycare providers alike who want you to bring something for them too. I don't want to appear picky and in an attempt to save you some time I ask that you not bring all the crappy items I am sure to find handed to me by daycare parents in a feeble half-assed attempt to show their gratitude for wiping both their kids' faces and asses all year long. Those gifts include things like : pictures of the daycare kids (yeah, I see their kids more hours in a week than they do. I hardly want to see the faces of those little red-horned demons during my off hours), regifted cheap coffee and hot chocolate filled mugs with those little Hershey's Kisses spilling out the top, toys to contribute to the daycare that require fifteen batteries and adult interaction, magazine subscriptions to Parent and Child, and any knick knacks that will hit my circular file bin faster than you can say "dust collector".

I thank you in advance, Santa. I have every faith in your ability to make up for the misgivings of everyone else who has let me down all year long. In return I will make you some delicious cookies while humming Christmas carols and sipping my screw top bottle of wine. I'll even leave some carrots and celery for Rudolph. Oh, and while we're talking about Rudolph; Santa, it's bad enough I have to clean up my dog's crap. Could you please stoop and scoop when Rudolph decides to take a crap on my front lawn? Oh, and for God's sake do NOT put it in my garage.

Thanks Santa,

Judy, Your Friendly Neighbourhood Daycare Provider

For concerns, advice or suggestions I welcome your email at judytrickett@yahoo.ca

The Evolution Of A Daycare Provider

Nothing in life is a given. The same is true of daycare providers. Contrary to the magical and superhero persona that might radiate from our pours as single child park mothers sit open mouthed and starry eyed at our ability to manage five times the number of children we were not born this way. Nope, just like everything and everyone else - we are a work in progress.

Daycare providers are not born they are evolved. I know this from personal experience. There are time when I look back on my early days of providing care and I shake my head and laugh at how utterly stupid and naive I was. I remember the first encounter with a daycare parent like it was yesterday. This was a neighbour of mine who, nearing the end of maternity leave asked me if I might be interested in "babysitting" her daughter. To be honest, the thought of "babysitting" had never occurred to me. I mean, yes, the neighbour down the street seemed to be living the high life caring for her nine daycare kids and getting paid to stay at home. I did have first hand knowledge of the amount of noise that emanated from her back yard and the stench of her garbage day contribution; but otherwise I was totally unassuming and unprepared. Regardless I took on the role of "babysitter" and waited for that first day with anticipation.

I will never forget that child on her first day. She smelled weird and she did things my daughter, the same age would never do. First of all I had to spoon feed baby food to a twelve month old? Geeze, my daughter must have been a girl genius to eat on her own. And why did this child have to put everything in her mouth? Eewwww....did she just put her fingers in her mouth and spread spit all over my coffee table. Oh my, what have I got myself in to? And then the worst happened. She pooped. Oh...my...God. Is there anything worse than changing the baby food poop filled diaper of a stranger child? Nope, I'm convinced that changing your first daycare poop is a character building exercise. It takes a special type of fortitude to take on that challenge.

I remember the early days well. One of my fondest memories is that when I had a full house - five kids all under two and in diapers. My world was a whirlwind of diaper changes, bottles and nap routines. And every once in a while I would get up the courage to go off for walk. Being new I had little equipment. Out we went with my makeshift wagon and a baby carrier. I must have been quite a sight. Five kids in tow, one on my back, hair a fly and spit on my clothes. Yep, I was looking mighty fine in with my five kids being lugged with feats of strength all for a simple spin around the block. Of course, there were the ten stops to pick up errant fuzzy bunny cuddlies and the odd shoe and of course to catch my breath but somehow, by the grace of God, we all managed to find our way home. Those were the days.

I think we all have moments of clarity when we take a simple walk in the neighbourhood and realize the amount of work and time it takes to complete such a simple task. It is these times that cause us to regroup and be inventive. We think of different ways to complete tasks with the least effort and best results. We get smart. We begin to view our job as less about "babysitting" and more about providing care and attention. We find ourselves morphing into experts in child rearing and professional business women. We grow wings and start to fly.

We all started off as mere babysitters hoping to make a little extra spending money while professing our love for children. If only the realities of the world would allow us to live in that special place of naivety. Of course, it doesn't take but a few unfortunate situation and bad dealings with both children and parents for us to realize that we must be the masters of our destinies; that to make the business of daycare work in our favour we must change and evolve with every turn and bump in the road. Good daycare providers do this. They realize that happiness is a dual reality; everyone, provider included, must be happy.

Now days there is not a "babysitter" in sight when you open my front door. Standing there you will find a professional. I still have that half dazed look of exhaustion. My equipment might be fancier and more expensive, my dedicated daycare space cute and cozy but my knowledge base and expectations could not be more different than the day I opened my door for that strange smelling child six years ago. I really think that now I have seen it all. I have been there, done that and more. Little phases me.

There is a certain peace that comes with experience. I no longer worry about what I am going to do when situations arise. My answer now is always the same - I will look out for Judy and Judy alone. I have learned that to rely on clients to make decision in my favour is a risk I am not willing to take. I sleep well at night knowing that my destiny and my happiness are held in the palm of my hand. Everything can change in an instant with a single posted ad on Kijiji or a termination letter typed into Word. I have that power.

Change happens - even to daycare providers. Welcome it. Learn to take your experiences and grow from them. Chalk up every negative dealing as a blessing - a lesson in what not to do next time. Harness the power of evolution. Your happiness depends on it.




For concerns, advice or suggestions I welcome your email at judytrickett@yahoo.ca

Yes Children, There Is A Santa Claus

It's the first day of December. Is there a more wonderful time of year than the last month? Sure, summer has its merits but the sentiment and positive energy of December can soften the heart of the most hardened person. There is so much magic to behold, so much goodness and graciousness. For one month every year the world finds the ability to see the best in their neighbours and to release judgement and resentment. Yes, the world is a better place in December.

December is my favourite daycare month. I am not a religious person but like 90 per cent of North Americans our family also partakes in Christmas. And, Christmas is about children. It is about their fascination, their wonder and their excitement. What better business to be in for such a joyous month? For children Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year.

The spirit of Christmas is so evident in children. The notion of Santa Clause and their belief in such a figure is awe inspiring. Children are trusting and have complete faith in the existence of that jolly old man. They question nothing and assume the world to be without malice or falsehood. They believe because they are more in tune with the Universe and have not yet had the misfortune to find cynicism and objection infiltrating their thinking and souls. They are pure and unadulterated. How simple and truly fortunate they are.

As adults I think a great deal can be learned from children at this time of year. So often we attempt to decipher and rationalize all the input from our environment instead of enjoying it. We assume there is always a catch and rarely believe that which is too good to be true. How would Christmas be different if each child stood back and wondered what was the "catch". Why would a man like Santa, give out gifts to children. What is in it for him? These are the common thoughts of adults and those who have been hardened by the offenses and crudeness of mankind.

I love to read stories of Christmas at circle time and watch the excitement and anticipation grow. I watch with wonder as a child completes their ornament crafts with precision as to get it "just right" to present as a gift to mommy or daddy. To them it is all in the giving. They do their best work not for the merit but for the feeling they will get when giving. There are lessons to be learned while watching those children at circle time and sitting around the craft table, glue on their hands and sparkles in their hair. The lesson is that perhaps we too could have a bit more faith. Perhaps as adults we could step back from our cynicism and falsely held notions and live in faith for a few moments. We might be surprised how freeing it is.

Is there anything more inspiring than a child who believes without fear or question? We can all learn a lot from kids. I want all children to have a time in their life to experience pure faith and wonder. And then, one day when they no longer believe and ask me why I told them Santa existed I will tell them the truth - he DOES exist. He might not exist in worldly matter with a red suit and black boots but the spirit he represents is present in the soul and giving hearts that seem to produce themselves this time of year. For one month each and every year the world can become just a little kinder and less judgemental. Seems to me a little white lie to personify such a sentiment is worthwhile.

For concerns, advice or suggestions I welcome your email at judytrickett@yahoo.ca