Today is Tuesday. Some would say Tessa Tuesday, to others it is Take That, Malaria Tuesday. For me, it is Tyrannical Toileting Tuesday. The toddlers’ energy nearly doubled as we combined Haven 3 with Haven 2. We continued in increasing the production of vocalizations from the kids, using frequently used vocabulary during the session. Though I always enjoy working with the toddlers, I especially looked forward to spending the last few days with the group who I began this whole experience. It was absolutely exciting to compare the progress accomplished in the last 3 weeks. In the last 3 weeks, I was so surprised and overjoyed to see Kurt voluntarily sing and imitate motions to the songs sung. This was the child who defiantly whined during the entire course of the sessions when we first began. I was also pleasantly surprised to see Caleb placing his little finger over his lip to imitate “shhhh” when he began looking through his Hermie book. Even though it was not relevant to the correct book, it was still association to a generic reference. Altogether, SO REWARDING!
It was rather ironic that the behavior issues were brought up in the questions, because I had the misfortune of placing Dow in time out for hitting the other kids when he did not get his way. The kids here have been overall great to work with, but the language barrier and lack of structure in their schedules do seem to lend to great difficulties. Many of the kids here have been defiant and throw tantrums until someone picks them up, but unfortunately we are not in a place to do much other than place them in time-out at a back table and repeat “no hitting” over and over in an authoritative voice. It’s kind of frustrating to be in this position because a lot of the behavioral issues are cultural and could not be avoided because they don’t know any different. The tears are a main way to receive immediate attention from the aunties, which has subsequently corrupted the kids for us :-/
That's about all for now! Packing and hours of adrenaline-filled sleep lie ahead for me now. Livingstone, ready or not, here we come!!
~Cari
Congrats Caleb! I can imagine the stress of having someone over rule you and your authority. Sounds like therapy has went well. I miss you gals and can not wait to hear about your experiences in person.
ReplyDeleteMiss you all so much!!! I can only imagine how hard discipline is given the culture and language barrier. It sounds like you guys are doing amazing things! I have a random yet relevant question for you guys. I am currently working with the birth-five population and since beginning my off site my immune system has taken a beat down. It's really no wonder given all of the runny noses,ect. Plus in a typical day it is not unusual for me to be sneezed on, coughed on, spit up on, ect. Have you guys had problems with getting sick while working with the kids. I know you have your drugs :0). I was just wondering. Miss you guys!
ReplyDeleteMiss you dear!! Ready to see you :) Seems like the children are making great progress!! YAY!! Is the language easy to adapt too, have ya'll leanred words that you can use to tell the kids to stop or have you taught them some English words?? Its good to hear that Zambian babies have tendencies just like American babies :)
ReplyDeleteMiss you, Cari! Glad to hear you are enjoying it. Will you all be giving any tests to the children to measure progress? I am happy that they are doing so well!
ReplyDeleteCARI!!!! I sure do miss you!! What has been the largest language barrier that you personally have come across while you've been in Zambia? I loved reading your entry. You really made me feel like I was there I love your description of you experience in Africa!
ReplyDeleteSHayna
Defiant kids drive me nuts! Monday/Wednesday my schedule is full of them it drives me crazy!
ReplyDeleteHave the kids shown any difference in behavior over the weeks if you don't give in to them?
I was wondering the same thing as Jacqueline. Here in the states we try not to reward whinny and defiant behaviors, but if you ignore the bad behavior would the children become less unruly? If they stopped crying, would they basically be ignored by the aunties? Regardless, this post makes me realize that kids are kids no matter where they are, and it's not just the terrible twos, I've heard the 3 year olds are worse and it seems to be that way in Africa as well! Glad you are having fun despite the tantrums!
ReplyDeleteOh behavior...it's a real pain sometimes! Loved the post! What do the Aunties do, if anything to change the behavior? What are some examples of cultural behaviors that are recognized as typical?
ReplyDelete