A three-year-old throws tantrums and begs his mother not to go to daycare. Worried, she goes in unannounced and what she sees shocks her.
“No, mommy, no!” Johnny threw himself on the floor and started screaming. Marla Evans sighed. Not again! She looked at her watch. If he threw a full tantrum, she would be late yet again.
She gazed at her three-year-old with exasperation. Johnny had been going to daycare for two years and always loved it. For the last week, out of the blue, he’d been making a scene, begging Marla not to take him.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash
She’d spoken to her pediatrician, and the doctor had told her that toddlers often went through the ‘terrible threes.’ “Stop it!” Marla heard herself scream, then she saw the look of fear in her son’s eyes. Something wasn’t right.
Marla sat down on the floor next to Johnny and coaxed him into her lap. He sobbed, pressing his little face against hers. Marla decided this was more than a tantrum, but what could be wrong?
“Honey,” Marla said gently. “I’m sorry. Mommy didn’t mean to snap.” She rocked him until he stopped crying and asked gently, “Why don’t you like daycare anymore?”
Raising a child is about setting and respecting boundaries.
Johnny shivered in her arms and whispered, “I don’t like!”
“But why, sweetie?” Marla asked. “Are the other kids mean?” But Johnny wouldn’t answer. Marla sighed. “Baby, mommy needs to go to work, but I tell you what… I’m going to come and get you from daycare early today, OK?”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
Johnny sat up in her lap. “No lunch?” He looked up at her anxiously. “No lunch, mommy?”
Lunch? The worried mom frowned. What was happening with her son?
Marla dropped Johnny off after promising she’d fetch him before lunch. He walked into the daycare quietly but threw Marla a pleading look that left her heartbroken.
She went to work and asked her boss for the afternoon off to deal with a personal issue. Thankfully, her boss was a mom too and understood!
Marla was determined to get to the bottom of Johnny’s reluctance to go to daycare. She decided to drop in — not before lunchtime as she promised Johnny — but during the meal.
Johnny’s daycare didn’t allow the parents into the children’s playrooms or the dining room, but each door of the facility had a large, clear glass window. Hopefully, Marla would be able to see what — if anything — was going on.
When she arrived, the receptionist told her the children were having lunch. Marla walked to the dining room and peered in. The kids were all sitting at their tables, eating.
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A teacher or an assistant supervised each table. Marla quickly spotted Johnny. There was a woman Marla didn’t recognize sitting next to him.
As Marla watched, the woman picked up Johnny’s spoon, scooped up a portion of mashed potatoes, and pressed it against his lips. “Eat!” she cried. Johnny shook his head violently, his mouth firmly closed, tears running down his cheeks.
“Open your mouth and eat!” the woman said angrily. Johnny was looking deeply distressed. The woman cried, “You are going to sit here until you clear your plate!”
Marla saw a small portion of mince, mash, and vegetables left on Johnny’s plate, and she knew her son. Johnny was not a big eater; she never pushed it when he told her he’d had enough.
Johnny opened his mouth to protest, and the teacher quickly pushed the spoon in. Marla saw her son choke and sputter. She’d had enough! She opened the door and stormed in.
“Get away from my son!” she cried.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
The woman looked up, and her mouth hung open. “Parents aren’t allowed in the dining room!” she cried.
“Then they should be,” Marla said, reining in her anger. “Can’t you see Johnny’s had enough? He’s a healthy boy, but he is not a big eater. As an educator, you should know how traumatic force-feeding a child can be.
“Being forced to clean up the plate is an old-fashioned notion. You should be aware of the statistics and the causes of obesity and eating disorders in children.
“And one of them is making food an issue! My little boy is an active child, and if he feels he’s had enough, you need to respect that and not force him to eat.
“As for shoving food into a child’s mouth in that way, it is reprehensible! You should certainly know better. These children are not puppets for you to manipulate at will!
“They are little people with needs and a will of their own. If you don’t respect their boundaries, you teach them they don’t deserve respect. I don’t think that is a message you want to pass on!”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash
The teacher flushed a bright red and got to her feet. “I never…” she cried.
“That’s a pity,” Marla said crisply. “Because if this happens again, I will ensure you are out of a job! I’m not sending my son to daycare to be brutalized!”
Marla walked over to Johnny and tenderly wiped his mouth. “Come on, honey,” she said gently. “Mommy promised you a treat this afternoon!”
Marla had a long talk with Johnny, and there was no tantrum the next morning. Over the next few weeks, she popped into the daycare at lunch times just to keep an eye on things.
The teacher never forced Johnny to eat again, and the boy recovered his good humor and enthusiasm.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
What can we learn from this story?
- Children and their boundaries should be respected. Johnny’s teacher was teaching him that adults had the right to impose their will on children against their welfare.
- Raising a child is about setting and respecting boundaries — theirs and ours. A child whose boundaries are not respected is insecure and has low self-esteem.
Share this story with your friends. It might brighten their day and inspire them.
If you enjoyed this story, you might like this one about a little boy who learns all about love by watching how his father treats his mother.
This piece is inspired by stories from the everyday lives of our readers and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone’s life.
What You See First Reveals the Fortune Coming Your Way!
Have you ever wondered if your mind holds hidden clues about your future? The way you perceive things might just reveal the kind of luck or fortune coming your way! This simple visual test could provide insights into upcoming opportunities, surprises, and successes.
Take a look at the image and pay close attention—what did you see first? Your answer could reveal the kind of energy about to enter your life.
The Psychology Behind What You See First
Our subconscious mind plays a significant role in how we interpret images. The first thing that catches your attention isn’t random—it reflects your current mindset, emotions, and expectations. Psychologists call this perceptual priming, meaning your brain prioritizes what’s most relevant to you at the moment.
What you see first might uncover what your intuition already knows about the next phase of your life. Ready to decode the signs? Let’s go!
If You Saw Branches First…
Seeing tree branches first suggests that valuable opportunities are on the horizon. You’ve been working hard, progressing step by step, even when you weren’t sure of the outcome. Sometimes, you may have felt stuck or unsupported, but things are about to change.
What This Means for Your Future
A new support system is coming your way. You’re about to meet someone who shares your vision and will offer the support you need. This person could be a mentor, friend, or business partner who helps you take the next big step.
Video : The Animal You See First
Growth and progress are within reach. Just like branches reaching for the sunlight, you’re on the verge of a breakthrough. The hard work you’ve put in is about to bear fruit.
A chance to reinvent yourself is on the horizon. This is your opportunity to break free from limitations and finally pursue what you’ve been hesitating about.
A good piece of advice is to not ignore new people entering your life. Be open to collaborations, new friendships, and learning opportunities. Your future success depends on your willingness to embrace change.
If You Saw an Elephant First…
Seeing an elephant first signifies that major life achievements are coming your way. Whether it’s financial success, career growth, or personal fulfillment, you’re on track for something big.
What This Means for Your Future
A big celebration is near. You may soon reach a long-awaited milestone—buying a house, landing a dream job, or starting a new adventure.
Strength and stability define your journey. The elephant symbolizes resilience and wisdom. Your past experiences have prepared you for this moment, and you’re stronger than ever.
A reward for your positive mindset is coming. You’ve maintained optimism despite life’s challenges, and now, the universe is rewarding your persistence.
A smart approach is to stay focused and confident. You’re on the right path, so continue embracing every opportunity with an open heart. If you’ve been hesitating on a decision, now is the time to trust yourself and go for it.
If You Saw an Owl First…
If an owl was the first thing you noticed, you are entering a phase of deep wisdom and clarity. You’re about to gain insights that will change how you approach life and decision-making.
What This Means for Your Future
A time for reflection is approaching. You may soon receive important information that helps you solve a long-standing issue.
Increased intuition will guide you. Your gut feelings are sharper than ever—listen to them! They will guide you toward the right choices.
Spiritual awakening is happening. This could be a time of personal growth, where you uncover deeper truths about yourself and the world.
A helpful suggestion is to pay close attention to signs, symbols, and your dreams. The answers you’re looking for might already be within you.
Video : What Your Blood Type Says About Your Personality
If You Saw a Fox First…
A fox represents intelligence, adaptability, and strategy. If you saw a fox first, you’re about to enter a phase where quick thinking and creativity will lead to success.
What This Means for Your Future
A clever opportunity awaits. You may soon face a situation that requires you to think outside the box. Your ability to adapt will set you apart from others.
A secret will be revealed. Something hidden from you may come to light, giving you the upper hand in a situation.
New pathways to success are unfolding. You’re being guided toward opportunities that require wit and determination.
A valuable tip is to trust your instincts and not be afraid to take calculated risks. Your sharp mind will help you navigate whatever comes your way.
Final Thoughts: What Your Vision Says About Your Future
Your subconscious mind often knows what’s coming before you do! This fun personality test is a great way to tap into those hidden instincts and get a glimpse of what’s in store for you.
Did the results resonate with you? Drop a comment below and let us know what you saw first!
And if you love personality tests and brain teasers, share this with your friends and see if their results match their personalities.
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