December 4

And so the weekend ends...  On Friday night, I attended the ballroom dance class Christmas party.  My role at every Christmas and end of the season party is to teach the class a line dance.  On Friday, I taught the class how to dance the Cha Cha Slide.
On Saturday, Haley and Mary came over to decorate the tree.  We had a great afternoon visiting and reminiscing.  The girls lead very busy lives with work, gym workouts, and other pursuits that I don't get many opportunities for deep conversation.

I should mention that Haley turned 33 on December 1.  I took Mary, Haley, and Audrey to Los Palapos for Mexican food.  Again, we had a leisurely meal and a good visit with meaningful conversation.

Mary got her wedding photos today.  They are amazing.

On the slate for tomorrow: hockey in the morning and installing Mary's central vac in the afternoon.

Principal's Message

A popular bumper sticker issued by Lion’s Club international read Give Your Kids Hugs, Not Drugs.  In the wacky age in which we live, adults who work with children are somewhat conflicted about hugging children.  There are good reasons for being wary; however, I would like to suggest that the bumper sticker message reminds me that there is an appropriate time for hugging kids and the benefits are many.

            Not many years ago, I was toying with the possibility of applying for a job that would take me out of the school setting.  The main thing that caused me to forego the opportunity was the “huggy” students who would come and give me a hug at the end of the school day as I was doing bus supervision.  I couldn’t do without the hugs and I know that kids need lots of hugs too.

            Psychology 101 didn’t teach me much, but I do remember one study done by Harlow, a researcher who created surrogate mother monkeys made of chicken wire and soft carpet.  The surrogate monkeys dispatched all the food and sustenance needed by the young monkeys.  Harlow found that young monkeys preferred the surrogate mothers that were soft and cuddly over surrogates that were made of chicken wire only; however, monkeys raised by surrogates displayed anti social behavior. Young monkeys needed to be raised by real monkeys that cuddled, cradled, and hugged their young.  In the same way, our children need more than the food, clothing, Gameboys, and Teddy Bears that we provide for them.  They need hugs.

            Sometimes a hug can say a lot more than words.  On one of the saddest days of my life, someone gave me a hug and the hug spoke volumes.  The hug took away some of the hurt and let me know that the person cared.  Hugs succeed where words fail.

            Yes, I guess it sounds weird for a principal to be talking about hugs when I could be talking about setting high standards for achievement, the importance of the 3 R’s, and the wonderful possibilities presented by modern technology.  The aforementioned things are important, but more importantly, children need to know they are loved.  If you are not sure how to tell them they are loved, start out by giving them a hug.  It is never too late to start and there will never be a time when you should stop.