Lovely comments from the kids I teach about arthritis.

Ankyspond

Well I had a lovely conversation today with the kids I teach.  They were asking how my weekend was (year 11 who are 15/16) and I said about my dogs operation and that he has arthritis like me. Some already know about me as they are my daughters friends as she is at the school I teach in but a few didn't. Anyway they asked me about my arthritis and said they couldn't believe it cos I never look ill, I explained how I 'mask it' but asked them if they had never noticed I get a chair and sit next to them if they ask for help. They said they had noticed that and then asked if they could help in anyway, I was blown away by there thoughtfulness. They then said they think I am great for doing what I do and for not moaning and carrying on. Now I know sometimes it's wrong to 'mask' this disease but I was  really delighted that the kids said that and appreciate what I do am I silly to think that? It's things like this that make me realise my job is so worth while. 

On the down side I cannot believe this flare up is giving me sooooo much pain with no let up in sight.  Hope you all having a good day. Xx

kellerman

What a lovely class you seem to have.It just shows that all teenagers cannot be treated as idiots and thugs.
My daughter teaches oldest 10/11 year old at primary school.
Nobody was keen to have this class so this is the second year she's had them with no problems.From what I understand they just weren't interested in learning.
Hard job for you.This is one job I could never have done.
I hope they keep it up for your sake and try and get some rest even though I know it will be difficult for you.
May

bertyboy

you are obviously a good teacher with a good teacher pupil relationship , its good that thay have ask if any help is needed too , hope your flare settles down soon x

valval

sorry about the flare but it only goes to show there are lots of lovely youngsters out there i think if some one talks to them on there level and not down to them you usually get a positive responce val

dibdab

You obviously work hard to build that special relationship. Like you I teach-but at the other end of the scale-5 year olds. They know I have "poorly bones" because they see my wrist splints etc when the going is tough- they are very accepting, and often offer to pick things up, carry them to me etc, and 1 lovely little boy with real co-ordination problems offers to fasten my coat every day "becuase you got poorly bones I can help you". It's a tough job when you're struggling with an arthritis flare-be gentle with yourself-sometimes letting others know we struggle and need some help is hard, but experience is proving to me that colleagues and children are usually glad to help in any way they can-and I feel incredibly blessed by them.
Take care. Deb x

Ankyspond

May, you are quite right they are not all bad, sometimes they just need someone to be real with them. Well done to your daughter for her efforts with this class it just goes to shows what can be done. you are right it is a hard job for me, hard on the bones and only do three days now but love it. Xx

Bertyboy, thanks for those kind words, I try to be at there level with them and make me a 'a real person' and hopefully they can talk to me and ask for help if needed. They have there days but don't we all. Xx

Val, respect gains respect I believe that even with kids.  Xx

Deb, yes it's takes a long time to build relationships as you well know but when comments like today are said you know it's worth it. It's lovely to hear the kids you teach understand too, I don't have splints etc so nothing to 'see' so think they were bit shocked. It is a tough job with arthritis but one I love. Xx

traluvie

That was really nice and thoughtful of them..
Bet that definately made your day?, like you said it makes you realise how worthwhile your job is..
xx