While I was conducting market research on (re)opening my in-home child care program in Northfield, MN, I stumbled across a poem on the Internet that touched my heart. I’d been debating different program names, but once I read this, I knew there was no more debate.
A Child’s Bedtime Song
by Denis Waitley
If I had two wishes, I know what they would be
I’d wish for roots to cling to, and wings to set me free;
Roots of inner values, like rings within a tree,
And wings of independence to seek my destiny.
Roots to hold forever, to keep me safe and strong
To let me know you love me, when I’ve done something wrong;
To show me by example, and help me learn to choose
To take those actions every day to win instead of lose.
Just be there when I need you, to tell me it’s all right
To face my fear of falling when I test my wings in flight;
Don’t make my life too easy, it’s better if I try
And fail and get back up myself, so I can learn to fly.
If I had two wishes, and two were all I had
And they could just be granted by my mom and dad;
I wouldn’t wish for money or any store-bought things
The greatest gifts I’d ask for are simply roots and wings.
Combine this beautiful heartfelt sentiment with my love for dandelions, and you’ve got Two Wishes Child Care. Dandelions have both roots and wings and have come to symbolize childhood to me. Some of the greatest gifts my children have given me have been dandelion bouquets thoughtfully picked from our own yard – during their precious play time – and presented to me with a hug and a simple, “Love you, Mom!”
Two Wishes Child Care is about supporting social and emotional development by:
- Growing independence and confidence
- Being emotionally available and expressive and forming close, secure relationships
- Working with and supporting families and their values
- Seeing the child as who they are and understanding their temperament
- Encouraging positive attitudes
- Meeting children where they are while supporting their growth
- Being a good role model
- Reframing challenging behaviors and supporting children as they learn
- Being proactive
- Responding with empathy
- Listening to the messages children give
- Assisting in the development of problem-solving skills
- Guiding behavior in positive, encouraging ways
- Helping children connect with others and develop strong relationships and bonds
It’s about providing roots and wings.
“When you look at a field of dandelions you can either see a hundred weeds or a hundred wishes.”