“Do you want to see how fast I can drink this water?” said T.
"You are the Lava Monster," A said, refusing to negotiate, "and you can’t climb up here to tag us. You have to stay down there.
Many adults would have answered, “No,” to the previous two statements. But I don’t see how that would be possible. Volunteering at the Boys & Girls Club on 12/5/12 taught me in invaluable lesson that I can’t get out of my head. It’s too catchy.
V Tip 002: Let it be, let it be ….
Barbara Coloroso, youth speaker and author of “kids are worth it,” argues that if a situation isn't life threatening or morally threatening to children, they should get the chance to live it out. I’m a volunteer, not a parent, but I want Boys & Girls Club kids to grow up as independent leaders and sculptors of a changing world. These leaders need to grow in their own worlds – we need to let them be.
No, I’m not recommending youth service volunteers permit bullying, violence or worse before their own eyes. But today, T tackled me when I entered the building. L crept close to my face and screamed. D decided he didn't want anyone to talk to him ever again. “Okay,” I said, offering guidance but playing right along. I caught T, made faces right back at L and gave D the space he needed while waiting five yards away. All volunteers should aspire to become the Lava Monster.
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