Following are some of my favorite poems and stories. I have collected them from various locations: on the internet, from classes I have taken, and other sources.
POEMS for providers
What Did I Do Today
Today I left some dishes dirty,
the bed got made around 3:30.
The diapers soaked a little longer,
The odor grew a little stronger.
The crumbs I spilled the day before
Are staring at me from the floor.
the fingerprints there on the wall
Will likely be there still next fall.
the dirty streaks on those windowpanes
Will still be there next time it rains.
Shame on you, you sit and say,
Just what did you do today?
I held a baby till she slept
I held a toddler while he wept.
I played a game of hide and seek,
I squeezed a toy so it would squeak.
I pulled a wagon, sang a song,
Taught a child right from wrong.
What did I do this whole day through?
Not much that shows, I guess that's true.
Unless you think that what I've done,
might be important to someone
with deep green eyes and soft brown hair,
If that is true....I've done my share.
No Babysiters Poem
Greet the kids at seven-ten,
Give them breakfast, settle in
Andrew's learning ABC's
(Ryan, don't eat crayons, please)
Someone's knocking at the door,
(We mustn't finger paint the floor)
Let's have lunch and then clean up
(Ashley, please don't tip your cup)
Baby Hunter's on my lap,
Story time and then a nap.
Have our snack, then go outside,
(The doggie can't give horsey-rides)
Six-'clock - the moms are here,
Collect the coats, paper and gear.
Want to see me throw a fit?
Tell me I just "babysit"
ODE TO DAY CARE
Little children come to me for hugs and books and such.
I care for all their simple needs and I also fix them lunch.
I pick up toys, mop up spills, and often dry their tears.
I change their diapers, settle fights, and kiss away their fears.
I tie their shoes, button coats and push them on the swing.
I really love these kids, you see, but there is just one thing.
Call me Mom, or Aunt, or Lori, those names just might fit.
But PLEASE don't call me a babysitter, because...
I NEVER get to sit!!!!!!
Some houses try to hide the fact
that children shelter there.
Ours boasts of it quite openly,
the signs are everywhere.....
For smears are on the windows
Little smudges on the doors;
I should apologize, I guess
for toys strewn on the floor.
But I sat down with the children
And we played and laughed and read;
And if the doorbell doesn't shine,
Their eyes will shine instead.
For when at times I'm forced to choose
The one job or the other.....
I want to have a tidy house,
But first, I'll be a mother.
TOUCHING THE FUTURE
by Marti Doyle
I don't wear power suits,
make speeches,
or drive a fancy sports car.
I've never talked on a car phone,
made a big sale,
or been elected to the Senate.
I don't "do lunch",
have a big impressive office,
or carry a beeper.
I spend my days wiping away tears,
giving hugs, and serving chicken nuggets.
A good day is when I go through a whole day
without a temper tantrum, bite mark,
or toilet training accident.
My "office" is a room full of brightly colored toys
and laughing children.
You may not think that what I do is very important
and you may even whisper behind my back,
"What a waste of a good mind".
but I know better.
I make a difference
because I am changing the world
one child at a time.
Every day I'm getting the once in a lifetime
chance to touch the future.
I'm proud to say "I'm a child care provider".
A CHILD CARE PROVIDER
By Larry Howland
A substitute for working moms,
She comforts, pampers, soothes, and calms.
With all the love she has to share,
She's great to have when mom's not there.
She loves to rock a fussy child,
Corrects the one who gets too wild.
She hears her share of tearful pleas,
And comforts those with skinned up knees.
With little children she plays peek,
For bigger ones it's hide and seek.
She is an expert at each game,
But somehow loses just the same.
She help them learn the alphabet,
And gives them hugs when they're upset.
She gently tucks them in their beds,
With dreamland tales for sleepyheads.
She is a true and trusted friend,
Who helps them learn and play pretend.
Although she's paid, it's plain to see,
She serves them with a love that's free.
THE TEACHER
When meeting someone at the first,
They often ask me what I do.
I smile and think of how I taught
My little boy to tie his shoe,
And how to sing and how to pray
And how to tell the time of day.
Why the rainbow's in the sky,
Why birdies can but cows can't fly.
Why sky is blue and grass is green
And unicorns are never seen.
How to think of others first
And deal with life's little hurts.
To say "Thanks you" and "You're welcome"
Say "Please" for food, and don't reach.
When someone asks me what I do -
I smile and simply say, "I teach".
WHY HANDS -ON
I tried to teach my child with books;
He gave me only puzzled looks.
I tried to teach my child with words;
They passed him by often unheard.
Despairingly, I turned aside;
"How shall I teach this child" I cried?
Into my hand he put the key,
"Come", he said, "Play with me."
