Because children grow up we think a child’s purpose is to grow up. But a child’s purpose is to be a child.
– Tom Stoppard, Czech-born British playwright and screenwriter

Contributed by Exchange Leader Nicky Byres.

My office is upstairs above the entrance foyer for a large child care centre. These early days of the school year are particularly loud as families return and greet one another with stories of summer adventures. Other families are new, and some babies are letting us know this change in their lives will take some getting used to. Kleenex abound for children and adults.

I hear educators tenderly reassuring parents and soothing children. I hear parents asking questions and seeking reassurance.

It is all so tender.

And sometimes we are in a rush to get through this settling in period. We want things to get to our idea of “normal” so we can get on with the curriculum and regular programming.

I am awed by the immense work that building trust is as we navigate these days together. THIS is the work, the work of allowing a child to figure out a whole new world. The work of allowing parents to gain confidence in their decision to choose us. The work of holding children close, giving them language for their jumble of emotions, helping them to make connections to others.

What is at stake if we rush them? What do we miss if don’t tune our days to the rhythms of new children? Here’s to leaning into Tom’s call to understand and support a child’s purpose – to be a child – a unique child from a unique family who we have the privilege to live life alongside for these all too brief but critically important years of childhood.

Wishing you all JOY in these chaotic and tender days of beginnings and hope.

Nicky Byres leads a multi-site non-profit child care organisation in Richmond BC Canada on the unceded lands of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh nations. She is an Exchange Leader, ECE Instructor and Communities of Practice Facilitator.