My Days May Be Numbered

[smallhobbit]

Another couple of weeks at Brownies.

Last week we went for a litter pick around a nearby field in the rain, and in total filled a large black bin bag with rubbish.  This is one area that the Brownies generally feel is an issue, so we are using that as our main theme for the Take Action badge.

This week we followed activities which looked at personal preferences and how you might encourage someone to like the same thing as you do (favourite colour or favourite animal) and also why they might not agree.  We also tried to get them to look at what makes their six unique, but this didn't really work - however some of them put quite a lot of effort in to produce their playlets.

It's still hard work, and I gather we are not the only unit who's finding it difficult.  I can understand that the Brownies have had a difficult eighteen months, but we have a programme to follow and I'm not prepared to turn up simply to babysit.  At one point Flamingo pulled them up short and asked why half the group were being rude and talking instead of watching while the others acted out their playlet.

There are always the odd few who are problems (the ones whose names you learn very quickly) but this is now the majority.

Comments

[rusty_armour]

I'm sorry that so many of the Brownies have been misbehaving. I can understand why you resent having to act as a babysitter more than a Brownie leader. I hope that this is a result of the pandemic and that the girls will calm down and behave better once they get used to meeting in person again. I know you're planning to leave anyway, but I hope the situation improves and things become a bit more enjoyable.

[smallhobbit]

Thank you. I'm sure it is a result of the pandemic, but I suppose my question is how long do we continue to make allowances and how do you bring a sense of order and a return to normality, because without it there will be no real progress.

[stonepicnicking_okapi]

Well done on the litter pick! I think that's a great task.

I am sorry the girls are misbehaving. I know it must be trying to your good will and patience.

[smallhobbit]

Thank you. Yes, my patience seems to be limited at the moment!

[margaret_r]

It seems like the Brownies are testing limits now that you're back face to face. I can well understand your frustration! I hope things do settle a bit so you can enjoy the last few weeks.

[smallhobbit]

I'm sure that's the case. Thank you. If nothing else it shows it is time for me to prepare to leave.

[adafrog]

Good luck with the kids.

[smallhobbit]

Thank you.

[corvidology]

I'm sorry that you're dealing with the after effects of the Covid total lockdown. I'm pretty sure that's where these kids forgot how to behave in public.

[smallhobbit]

I'm sure that's true. They definitely seem to find taking part in organised activities hard.

[shallowness]

I've been thinking about this post, and I'm sure all the other commentators are right, much of this is the consequece of lockdown, but if they feel so strongly about littering, would there be value in using that as a metaphor for when they're behaving badly? Point out that talking when someone else is daoing something is the equivalet of dropping a packer of crisps on a pathway, etc.

I'm sorry that this is spoiling Brownies for you.

[smallhobbit]

Thank you. That's a really helpful suggestion. I shall try it out.

[debriswoman]

Such a shame that you are having to spend more time wrangling the kids…hoping it settles down.

[smallhobbit]

Thank you. Yes, it's frustrating and not why I do it.

[medievalrosalie]

Oh dear, that's an issue. My sister said last week that more and more her own kids and their friends just aren't doing quite as well interacting in the real world as real people. Lacking people skills and it sounds like your girls are a bit that way too. I have no helpful advice to offer. *hugs*

[smallhobbit]

I think that's true. Lacking people skills and being more self-centred makes it very hard.

[luthienberen]

I'm sorry that Brownies are so hard now, I do hope it improves, but if not you have done an incredible job and achieved a lot! Will you have to make a decision about staying or leaving before the half-term? Any way, may the next few sessions be pleasanter!

[smallhobbit]

This week was better fortunately. I probably wouldn't leave before Christmas, and they are already looking for someone to take over. I shall see how it goes when we go back after half term before I make my final decision.