In many walks of life we come across and meet interesting and amazing characters, in my working life I have met such wonderful, bright and strong children, young people and their families.
They have brought so much joy and meaning to the work I love, they spur me on each day- to try and create a safe haven, a ripple of understanding, a place to be.
They have also given me a deeper understanding of their pain, and at times sorrow and despair, they have shone a small light on how it is for them, right now in this moment.
With this in mind it felt natural to take a walk along the therapeutic road and commence a journey of my own, of deeper understanding of ways to offer that safe "just being" place within my role as a Specialised Play and Activities Practitioner within a healthcare setting.
Its not always easy, and sometimes I see children and young people for such a short time, that I wanted that time to be solely for them, to choose and explore in a safe way, and if anything allowing a little of their story to be heard.
Stories are talked about as having such powerful meanings to those telling- but also to those receiving.
This weekend I have been sharing my story , and learning about using different creative techniques- ways a child or young person might choose to share a little of themselves or what matters to them.
The over riding theme this weekend- has been be curious, don't make assumptions about how a child or young person feels.
Learn how to play as adults so we learn through a child's eyes.
Take time to really imagine how or what story we are being shown.
I have also be able to share a little of myself with a group of equally amazing Health Care Professionals and colleagues who work in education.
Our core aim appeared to be the same, yet I was very aware we had all come together as strangers, and at times it felt uncomfortable, a little frightening and raw, then taking a step back- these are just some of the feelings a child or young person might have-so how can we extend the listening ear, how can we support and help children and young people explore their emotions, in a way that is unassuming and safe?
We were about to find out.
Any relationship takes time,
understanding, to grow meaning.
To be secure, to have your own sense of self- for some that is asking the impossible. - there are so many external forces asking us to change, to be something we are not, impacting on our learning and growth, and so our sense of self gets distorted and lost.
For children and young people they have to have the opportunity to explore their own sense of self, of identity, and for some facing unimaginable trauma and ill health this is just to painful and to difficult.
I wanted to share some of the key points I have had time to process from this weekend- these are just a few!
They may assist or resonate with some of you during your working week, or any long term work you are doing-
- Be present with the child or young person- the relationship, the quality of this, be curious.
- Keep shining a light on the process- wonder what its like to be that child or young person.
- How are we seen by children and young people- are we number 10 in a long line of adults that have been in their lives?
- To grow the depth of understanding- and the relationship , always check in with yourself- how does it feel.
- The use of image and the arts allows us to be alongside a child or young person using metaphor.
- Use the creative process to allow a child or young person to express what they feel, their story.
- Allow that to be heard with reflective listening.
- Be playful- it allows more freedom, this in turn makes the experience richer.
- Don't make assumptions.
We always have room to learn and develop...................take the moment.
Sian Spencer-Little
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