Apology

I would like to take this blog to apologize to all parents around the world on behalf of teenagers around the world. There are many things I can apologize for (i.e: lack of sleep, driving you insane, phone bills...) but this blog is dedicated to two specific apologies, and here is why:
There is a boy in one of my children's classes whom I have grown very fond of. His name is Jean-Luc, he is four, and is extremely adorable (see picture below). His home situation is very difficult, like most of the children here, but it was simply his joyful energy that attached me to him. I quickly realized this though, and recognized the importance of not playing favorites in my classes, however, this took on a whole new meaning yesterday. He had been sitting in on another one of my classes, which he knew he wasn't supposed to be at but nobody could get him to leave (our classes are done outside and kids from the neighborhood often drop in).When it came time to color, I didn't give him a coloring sheet since his class was the next day. He continued to ask me for one and I explained over and over that he couldn't have one because it wasn't his class, until finally he went off to pout in a corner. I wanted so badly to give him a sheet but I knew he had to understand this lesson. (This is apology number 1 to parents: Sorry that we pout, yell, shout, and cry when we don't get what we want and all you're trying to do is teach us detachment and patience).
Later on, he came back to the class and was watching the others color (with the most tear-jerking puppy eyes I have ever seen). He accidentally bumped someone, who inevitably whacked Jean-Luc across the face (a very common response to any kind of annoyance here). Exasperated, I reminded everyone for the millionth time that hitting is not good, asked for apologies, and then went to comfort Jean-Luc who was crying. When I reached out my hands to hold him, he jerked away and wouldn't let me touch him. It was one of the most horrible feelings I have ever had! Here is this child that I love as if he were my own and he won't let me hold him to comfort him. So I just sat there next to him until the crying quieted to a whimper. I ended my class and walked Jean-Luc home. I stood at the gate until he got to the door at which point he turned around, and I gave the warmest smile I could come up with. He gave a little wave and disappeared.
Dear parents (mine especially): For all the times we jerk away from hugs and cuddles, brush your hand off our shoulder, or pull our hand away when we see friends....I'm sorry! I can't even imagine how it must feel to have it happen several times, sometimes for years on end.

Lesson Learned: True proof of love is not always giving the person what they want, but rather what is best for them. Although we are not always in the position to judge what that is, parents most often are. My deepest respect goes to parents and teachers everywhere who deal with this every day, and persist through the temper tantrums and "I hate you"s out of true love for children, and a desire to see them manifest the treasures that they inherently possess.
"Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value. Education can alone cause it to manifest its treasures and enable mankind to benefit there from." (The Baha'i Faith)