Throwing Fish

I decided I was going to be a teacher during “I Have a Dream” week in third grade. By fourth grade I started my own babysitting business- perhaps under the literary influence of Kristy and her team of kid-kit wielding sitters in The Babysitters Club Series. (For the record I was NINE…so nobody hired me.)

Almost every part-time job I had through high school and college involved kids and obviously my career as a teacher indicates I enjoy being around them.

But even back in the nine-year-old days, I worked so hard to show up for those kids. I played dollhouse, I threw footballs. And even working at Children’s World daycare down the street from the University of Minnesota, I rallied my tired college self to make sure those kids had fun and felt special.

My point is not to brag about my endurance and energy for kids, but to wonder- what happened to the lack of enthusiasm in working with kids on teams and camps today?

My husband and I have noticed the last few years a lack of passion on the part of some of the coaches and camp leaders our kids have had. And even if they weren’t feeling it 100%, the “poker face” couldn’t even be summoned. Maybe the paycheck is just not worth it these days. Maybe kids are harder to deal with (which I know first-hand can be true).

It feels like we have spent a large part of our summer coaching our children on how to handle coaches and camp leaders that are “mean” (their words). And while I think this is a crucial lesson; how to deal with ‘difficult’ people… I can’t help but wonder where more of the good ones are?

Today my son starts his second day of a week-long day camp. A camp we have treasured over the years with my oldest, and has an absolute reputation for youth leaders with positivity and well… fun. This morning I had to coerce him into the car- he was very reluctant due to the fact that one of his group leaders yesterday was “very mean”. I’m praying that maybe his leader comes around today. Perhaps he has an extra Rockstar energy drink and rallies to make this week special for those first graders.

I can’t help but think of the Pike Place Fish Company story. Long story short, the owner started a worldwide phenomenon; starting first with throwing fish to the customers all in the name of fun and play. The idea has branched into business seminars and teachers’ conferences- sharing that no matter what your job is; CEO, camp leader, or fish counter worker, you make your day fun. YOU choose your attitude. If you look up The Fish! Philosophy story you’ll find that this place has huge success in employee satisfaction and longevity.

My hope is that the uninspired coaches and leaders out there find their fish to throw. And maybe it means stepping away from working with kids if that doesn’t work for them. Let’s show our kids today that life can be enjoyable; that despite all the serious, intense issues these days, a playful, happy childhood is possible.

*** I’ve been reading fiction like crazy these days. Authors I can’t get enough of are; Fiona Davis, Taylor Jenkins Reid and Shea Ernshaw. For my fellow non-fiction fans, I am working my way through another gem; Connections Over Compliance by Lori L Desautels. THIS is what our school discipline goal should be! Connecting with kids, teaching them how to regulate themselves and their bodies. Schools have known for a long time that the arbitrary ‘punishments’ of the last century have ceased to work with 80% of our population. It’s time to shift!