"KINDNESS It costs nothing, but means everything."

Kindness Quotes for Kids

I had a conversation with a friend about the thoughtless and heartless actions and words of some doctors who lack bedside manners.  When he was just 14, Bob's dad had cancer surgery.  When the doctor stopped by post-surgery, he flipped his hand in the air and said "Three months."  Then, he was on his way, leaving the patient and his family devastated with no doctor to discuss any further options.  My friend was so angry, that even these 40 years later, I could see the rage in his face about being treated that way.

I understood his feelings, as I have had some similar experiences with doctors, as well as with college professors. I also remember my mother's frustration with my little brother's teachers, when he was seriously ill for a year and missed so much school.  She was so concerned about him being left behind, and the teachers simply "blew her off."  So much for her efforts to be the best parent possible.

Although teachers are not doctors, we must strive to practice our best "desk side manner," now more than ever.  In this time of COVID 19 with so much uncertainty, we must put ourselves in the shoes of the parents, who are afraid for their children, whether they are physically in school or schooling at home. No parent wants his child to fall behind, and every parent wants what is best for his child. 

Teachers face huge challenges this coming school year, and I urge all to view from the parent's perspective, and to be as kind as possible.  Although no one knows how long this pandemic will last or the repercussions of the disease, everyone has the ability to be a little kinder than is necessary.

"KINDNESS It costs nothing, but means everything."

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

Please invite Grady Gets Glasses (and me) into your school.  if you are not in the Pittsburgh area, we do virtual field trips with a group called Field Trip Zoom. www.Fieldtripzoom.com  and a company called www.StreamableLearning.com GRADY GETS GLASSES was the winner of Best New Children's Book 2016 and 2018 (new edition) from The Authors' Zone.Grady also won a 2018 prestigious Moonbeam Award for Best Children's Book with Merchandise.

Visit Dede's web page for complete details on her award-winning book, STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER. Many colleges have made the book required reading. Signed copies are available  www.dederittman.com Dede is also a national speaker on The Three C's for Classroom success: Confidence, communication, and Creativity; Avoiding Teacher burnout; and many other inspirational topics. 

I LOVE writing. And I love writing children's books- my newest passion. Although it will be a ton of work, I am looking forward to selling my books.  Since I was a secondary teacher, I know that I have much to learn about elementary students, and I will have to follow my own advice and be my genuine self.  However, I also know that I am passionate about helping kids who have to wear glasses, and that GRADY GETS GLASSES sends a positive message. I am willing to work hard and do all the things that also made me a successful teacher for 37 years. I remain inspired! 

Elementary teachers in Western Pennsylvania and beyond - I am willing to come into your classroom in person or as a virtual field trip through a group called Field Trip Zoom.  Check them out!  http://www.fieldtripzoom.com/ 

Teacher friends- let me know if you want me to read GRADY GETS GLASSES at your school. I am willing to come in to discuss the creative writing process, why writing is important, and personal fulfillment through writing, along with reading my book.  I would appreciate the exposure, and I would make signed copies available for purchase in your classrooms following the reading.  Please email me at dederittman@gmail.com  The website www.gradygetsglasses.com now has plush Grady bunnies for sale!

 Please like Dede's new page Grady Gets Glasses for updates about her children's book. https://www.facebook.com/gradygetsglasses?ref=hl 

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