Feeling Is First: The Golden Rule of Working with Children in Libraries

Abstract

My parents were never big talkers when I was growing up. Dad, especially, was a questioner and a listener—an occupational benefit, I suppose, as a clinical child psychologist and family therapist.

He gardened our thoughts and emotions—three daughters, so there was a lot to grow—patiently, tending both the wild brambles and the delicious fruits with the gentle rain of his attention and the loving warmth of his presence.

It did not matter where we were or what we were doing.