Do I love kids?
Even if somebody asked me the same question some 10 or say,15 years ago,my answer would be "Yes" obviously. Now the fact that I was a kid at that time doesn't really matter,but I always loved kids very dearly. From my childhood days,my house was the resting place,pre-school,free day care and entertainment zone for local kids. As my mom had a job,I used to take this responsibility gladly. The parents of the other kids also felt relieved when their kids used to visit my home. They happily placed them in my care and used to do daily chores. It has often happened that at 9 of night,mothers went home carrying their sleeping kids over their shoulders,after a movie or shopping trip to the local market. These kids used to play with me or with my toys at home,or sat near me and read or write,or simply watch TV or play around the house. All of them loved me dearly. The kids of tenants,the local doctor's kids,the mason's kids,our maid's kids...all used to get similar treatment here,no partiality. They ate with me,slept on my bed and shared my belongings. Me or my mom never felt bad,never considered them an extra burden. All of us were like a big family. I used to take care of all these kids,I really enjoyed their company. In true sense they were like little angels who enlightened my solitary life with their smiles. I never found myself deserted or isolated from rest of the family members. Even they didn't allow me to feel the absence of a sibling. They were my sisters and brothers,my true family in every sense.
After I shifted to Hyderabad for higher studies,I felt lonely.There were few kids around my house but there was a language barrier too. Their parents also had some doubt I guess,for first few months not a single kid returned my smile or came near me. But as the time passed,the ice started to melt. Finally when it was time to leave,I had almost 20 kids in the locality and near my college who became my fan. Some of them even cried badly and kept asking about me even after few months. Still I remember their names and truly miss their company.
When I got married and came to Bangalore,things were quite different. I was working in an IT company and my Biological clock reversed. I didn't get much time to socialize with local kids. Moreover,I got promoted from "Didi" To "Aunty"! Now,kids used to see me only in weekends. But still I managed to get some new friends. After I left job and started doing my second Masters,I got few tuition students. Rather than a teacher,I became their friend. They used to tell me what happened to school or how their mothers used to spank them when they told lies! These kids shared their wonderful dreams with me. Their parents were glad that their school grades were improving,I was glad that I got a great company.
How did I end up in teaching is really mysterious to me,I never ever thought I will be into this field. But now I can understand,the love for kids dragged me into this. I can understand their needs,I realize very soon how to handle them. Be it a preschooler or a 10th grade child,I know just how to manage. Before joining the current institute,I worked in a preschool just to get an idea about teaching. Those 6 months I enjoyed the most. I realized,small kids are divine gifts of God,without any complications or darkened desires. The purity and love reflected in them made me even more caring and understanding. When I joined in my present organization,above all this thing was considered that I love kids in true sense.
Now,how do I spend my time with my little angels? Well,from morning I prepare myself to be cheerful and energetic so that I can handle the kids properly. Mental preparation is essential,so the planning. When they come and flash their million dollars smiles at me or run towards me and give me a hug, that makes my day. When somebody gets a runny nose or salivates on the table,I clean it without hesitation. I teach them,show them how to do their assigned works,make them laugh or feel the sense of achievement. I share jokes and small stories,discuss about their interests and in every sense try to make them happy when they remain with me. As a result,they also return the love. One of my students wrote a beautiful poem in my diary,some days I will share it here. They look forward for the weekly classes to meet me. Whenever I call their parents,they come running to say hello. After the long day,when I come home dead-tired and crash on the bed,I feel lonely no more. I feel happy instead. They never allow me to feel the solitude. I have to keep my spirit up for the next meeting,this thought make me stronger every day. Who says that having a child is necessary? All these are my children. I have found my true joy in these little angels. Now I really don't bother,at least about loneliness.
