My favorite childhood story was Peter Pan. Neverland, pixie dust, the lost boys, pirates, and mermaids provided enough enchantment for a young girl.
J. M. Barrie wrote “Peter and Wendy” during the early 1900s, and it is clear there are racist descriptions of Native American tribes within this magical tale. This is a sad fact from a time with ignorant thought and feeling.
I do not like Peter Pan for those facts. I am drawn to Peter Pan because it reminds us we all may grow old, but the child within us is always there. Peter is forever in Neverland to safeguard our child-like innocence and fancies.
I am surrounded by children all day at the library. I am also surrounded by their parents, adults, and caregivers. As a librarian, I am a part of the service industry. Besides providing early literacy guidance and education, I provide service to all patrons of the library. This might include helping find a book or movie or helping to navigate the computers. Talking to and assisting children is very different from talking to and assisting adults. Sometimes, I have to maintain patience and understanding with adults more than children.
Lately, I try to remind myself of Peter Pan. Although these adults are older and are no longer considered children, they were all once children. Every human on earth was once a child. They all faced trials, they all had magical dreams, they were all innocent of hate and fear, and they all grew up. Because all children grow up, except for one.
I preach empathy programs and education to caregivers and teachers. Teaching children empathy and compassion can help instill a sense of human connection to all people as they grow older. Children are some of the kindness and empathetic creatures on this planet. We should empower and encourage this. When they are adults, they will hopefully build bridges rather than walls.
I must practice what I preach. Therefore, I try to practice patience and compassion to adults by reminding myself they were once the children I see every day.
Everyone can do this. The next time you are in line at the DMV, and you have a negative interaction with an impatient worker, try and view them at their most innocent. Do not disrespect them or treat them like a child, but rather be compassionate about their emotions and reactions. They are human. They were once a young child. Just like you.
In this way, we can remind ourselves of our similarities and connections rather than our differences.
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