There is nothing a parent would not do for their children’s well-being in this world. That is why mothers and fathers are real-life superheroes. Marla Evans, the mother of a three-year-old child called Johnny, signed that morning after hearing her son exclaim, “No, mommy, no!” when it was time for him to leave to daycare. This was hardly his first meltdown in recent days. It wasn’t always like this.
Johnny looked forward to coming to daycare. Most importantly, he was looking forward to it, but something had changed, and Marla had no idea what it was. He pleaded with her to remain at home. So, unsure of what to do, she brought him to the physician for help, where he was informed that most children go through the “terrible threes.” But Marla sensed there was more to it than simply a phase Johnny’s age goes through. When she asked him why he didn’t enjoy daycare, he simply said, “I don’t,” and that was the end of it.
“But, sweetheart, why?” One morning, Marla inquired once again. “Do the other kids treat you badly?” But the youngster remained silent. “Baby, mother has to go to work,” she says, “but I tell you what… I’ll pick you up from daycare early today, okay?” Johnny then requested that she take him up before noon. “No lunch?” he said, looking up at her with concern. “Mommy, no lunch?”
This piqued Marla’s interest. She asked her supervisor if she may leave work early that day to deal with personal matters. The employer granted Marla the authority she requested since she is a mother herself. When Marla arrived to the daycare, she begged to enter, but she was informed that parents were not permitted inside and that the children had lunch. She stepped into the dining room and peeked through the glass at that very time.
The youngsters were all seated, and instructors were stationed at each table, overseeing the younger ones. Marla then saw Johnny, and what she saw shattered her heart into a million pieces. A mother seated next to her son took Johnny’s spoon, scooped up some mashed potatoes, and placed it against his lips, shouting at him to eat. “Open your lips and eat!” she said as she shoved the food into the boy’s mouth. “You’re going to sit here until you clean your plate!” shouted the lady.
Marla had had enough of it. She went into the daycare kitchen and ordered the lady to leave her kid alone. The lady turned to Marla and informed her that her parents were not permitted inside, to which Marla answered, “Then they should be.” “Can’t you tell Johnny’s had enough?” Marla said. He’s a healthy kid, but he doesn’t eat much. As a teacher, you should understand how stressful force-feeding a kid can be.
“Forcing people to wipe their plates is an old-fashioned idea. You should be informed of the statistics and causes of childhood obesity and eating problems. “And one of them is bringing up the subject of eating!” My little kid is an energetic youngster, and if he believes he’s had enough, you must follow his wishes and refrain from forcing him to eat. “It is abhorrent to shove food into a child’s mouth in that manner!” You should have known better. These youngsters are not puppets to be manipulated at your leisure!
“They are small persons with their own wants and desires.” You educate kids they don’t deserve respect if you don’t respect their limits. I don’t believe that’s the message you want to send!” Johnny stated he’d go to daycare the following morning since he knew his mom had his back.