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Listen to this
We are familiar with the teddy-bear which accompanies the young child to bed to ease the transition from company to alone-ness, from waking to sleep, from light to dark. We know the value of this sort of "transitional object" as a comfort and reassurance for children across the divides of life. I think of my own need, when I am away from home, to take with me some of my music and books – things which not only offer familiarity, but also help to define and affirm who I am, what I do ...
How often do we find ourselves welcoming new arrivals to our program by giving lots of information about the facilities we offer, the people who make up our team, the attractions and amenities, and the policies and expectations of the organization? But this is all our stuff. The real task, surely, is to focus our attention on the newcomer – not only the person, but who he is, in the widest possible sense – to safeguard and preserve intact his role and standing in his home and community, his talents and interests, his achievements and successes, likes and dislikes ...
Trouble is, as Child and Youth Care workers, we usually get to hear only about the problem which is being referred to us. What an insult to the dignity and worth of this young person! Please God that we never have to enter a social grouping where only our negative attributes are known. Certainly our profession has learned to be realistic about the work we face with troubled kids, but we have learned primarily to seek that side of the equation which affirms the positives, the strengths and the possibilities.
Surrounding our new group member is a buzzing constellation of experiences and qualities which we need to know about, so that we can give him full credit for his development so far, and so that we can reflect (both to himself and to others) a balanced and rounded picture of his life as he crosses a significant divide.
Let him bring his teddy bear.
