The Misunderstood Child

 Working with kids every day is not as easy as many people show it to be. It is hard to get them away from their deepest hurts and feelings and toward things that are positive and enriching. Oftentimes we dismiss who they are to get to where we think they should go. Many times we read the outward signs and appearances without getting to know our dear charges. For this reason and many others our kids are misunderstood.

I came across a wonderful poem my Kathy Winters entitled 'The Misunderstood Child'. It is really captivating!

The Misunderstood Child

by Kathy Winters

I am the child that looks healthy and fine.
I was born with ten fingers and toes.
But something is different, somewhere in my mind,
And what it is, nobody knows.

I am the child that struggles in school,
Though they say that I'm perfectly smart.
They tell me I'm lazy -- can learn if I try --
But I don't seem to know where to start.

I am the child that won't wear the clothes
Which hurt me or bother my feet.
I dread sudden noises, can't handle most smells,
And tastes -- there are few foods I'll eat.

I am the child that can't catch the ball
And runs with an awkward gait.
I am the one chosen last on the team
And I cringe as I stand there and wait.

I am the child with whom no one will play --
The one that gets bullied and teased.
I try to fit in and I want to be liked,
But nothing I do seems to please.

I am the child that tantrums and freaks
Over things that seem petty and trite.
You'll never know how I panic inside,
When I'm lost in my anger and fright.

I am the child that fidgets and squirms
Though I'm told to sit still and be good.
Do you think that I choose to be out of control?
Don't you know that I would if I could?

I am the child with the broken heart
Though I act like I don't really care.
Perhaps there's a reason God made me this way --
Some message he sent me to share.

For I am the child that needs to be loved
And accepted and valued too.
I am the child that is misunderstood.
I am different - but look just like you.
Source: http://board.asdfriendly.org/index.php?showtopic=20584

 Here are 10 ways that we misunderstand children.