inside the mind of a child

I want to write about what it's like to be a teacher, but I'm not teaching so much at this point, as I am learning to be a child psychologist.

Six year olds are such funny people. They have none of the blocks and filters that adults have. They're so naive, yet capable of manipulations you would never imagine.

They pick their noses, and then five minutes later want to hold your hand.

They sit on the rug, and you can almost watch them coming apart inside when they are bored; first they start playing with their shoes or their headband, then they start wiggling around, and sooner or later their on their backs and twisting around like a seizure patient. While all around them kids are sitting either paying attention, or acting out one of these steps themselves, but they are totally unaware of anyone but themselves, and the fact that sitting still for 10 minutes is completely more than they can possibly handle.

They play simple board games, and try to cheat in the most obvious of ways. I have sores from biting my tongue to keep from laughing at their guile, which to them seems so sneaky.

But at the same time, they have worlds inside their heads that are so big and unique and important. They are naive, but they are not simple. Super-secret spy clubs and peanut butter sandwiches and tree house designs and unhappy parents and a need to get their own way and sticker books and a brand new stuffed dog and best friends and band-aids.

Do you remember a time when a band-aid and an Oreo could make your day? Thankfully, I'm getting reminded every day now, and it's amazing.