summer internship :')
i’m currently doing my internship at an orphanage, where i have the opportunity to work with kids who have various needs. every other week, i focus specifically on children with autism, and it’s been both rewarding and challenging.
there’s one child in particular who has down syndrome, and he really tugs at my heartstrings. i've witnessed moments when he becomes overwhelmed and tired of his exercises, and it often leads to tears. as i watch him struggle, i find myself getting emotional as well. it’s hard not to cry alongside him. i try my best to compose myself and hide my feelings, knowing that i need to maintain a professional demeanor, but it’s hard.
the instructor has advised me to adopt a stricter approach with the kids to help them stay focused and engaged. however, i find it incredibly difficult to raise my voice or impose any kind of authority over them. my natural instinct is to provide comfort and support, and i worry that being stern could hurt their progress. it’s a delicate balance, and i’m still trying to figure out how to navigate it all while being there for the children.
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It sounds like you’re doing a wonderful job! I can’t imagine dealing with the balance of being strict enough to guide them while still being a comforting figure. I’m guessing it’s just figuring out how to be stern in a way that’s calm and corrective. If there are times where raising your voice is necessary, that’s okay! Gentle parenting techniques don’t always work, and it’s okay to be stern sometimes as long as the child is calmly corrected and reassured afterward. It’s clear that you care for the children a lot and are putting in a lot of effort to make sure you do the right thing. You got this, I wish you the best of luck!