Childlike

One Word Wednesday: A time to write about a word regarding care-giving.  Today the word is “Childlike”

In my mind, to be childlike is to be free. Free from the laws of gravity. Well, I guess one is not free from the laws of gravity, but doesn’t it seem like a child has an overworked guardian angel? Childlike is being carefree, happy to skip, and to sing. Playing and pretending are two things that make a child, childlike.

As a caregiver, I think we are sometimes too serious. The freedom of being spontaneous and playful seems to be lost. Oh there are times of laughter but not the giggling that we did as children over funny things like saying the word “fart” as my grandchildren did last night.

How about when things are not going well and as a caregiver you revert to being childlike because your feelings are hurt or you feel that you were misunderstood? Do you apologize? Do you act as if nothing happened?  I was a nursing supervisor for private duty home health services and it is good to get the house rules before you place a caregiver in the home. So this one day, I was bringing on a client and I was talking to his wife and I asked, “Are there any house rules?” She said, “I do not want the nurses cooking their dinners!”  I said, “Well the person does get a lunch break and would it be okay to use you microwave to warm their meal?” She said, “Oh it is okay to use the microwave, but I do not want them cooking a roast in my crock pot and taking it home for their dinner!” Sometimes knowing the rules help prevent hard feelings in a care giving position.

We can not act childlike as caregivers, we have to apologize for the mistakes, to correct any behavior that is offensive; and sometimes we have to apologize when there has been no mistake on our part but on the part of the person receiving care. I like to do acrostic. So here is the acrostic. CHILDLIKE 

Called- most of us are called to be caregivers. We have compassion or are compassionate about our calling. 

Hopeful-we are optimistic and hopeful as caregivers.

Idyllic-it would be idyllic if we could just have fun but the role of the caregiver is a serious one. 

Laughter- when all else fails, laughter is the best medicine. Laughter or a sense of humor helps one to be an amazing caregiver.

Devoted- regardless of the person you are caring for, they deserve your devotion.

Love- if you love the Lord, then you will love the person you are caring for and love covers a multitude of wrongs.

Ironic- it is ironic that we can be childlike in a fun way and childlike by throwing a tantrum but as caregivers tantrums have no place.

Kind-regardless of how you are treated as the caregiver, it is best to serve the person you are caring for by being kind. 

Emotional support- as a caregiver you are the person who delivers emotional support in good times and bad times. 

Dear Caregiver and Friend, Most of us are called to be caregivers, we are filled with compassion, and we may wear our hearts on our sleeve. My skin has certainly gotten tougher. We are hopeful and optimistic as caregivers. Our role as caregiver may not be idyllic, and there are days when we will have fun and days when we feel like tearing our hair out, but face it there is nothing more rewarding. Fill your life with laughter, stay devoted, love your job, love the person, love your life, love God. It is ironic that as a caregiver we may want to throw a tantrum but in reality the person we are caring for may throw the tantrum but we have to be the bigger person and not throw the tantrum. There is a bible verse that says a kind word turns away wrath. We are the emotional support for those we are caring for but please do not forget as a caregiver you may need support. God is only a whisper away.

The last attribute of being Childlike is  trust. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your path straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6.