Listen to thisGood care work includes being one step ahead of the kids – anticipating both the needs and the high-jinks! Vigilant night shift work pays off!
"You're psychic! How did you know we were going to sneak out tonight?" There was admiration in the question, but Marty was serious ...
"It was the little things, Marty, that gave you away!"
There was a general air of excitement and secrecy in the cottage – I could feel it. Phrases like “I just can't put my finger on it ...", “something's cooking" and “wonder what's going on?" were going through my mind.
There was a change in some of the children's behaviour. There was a grouping of children who shared a common secret, an eagerness to do nothing that would draw my attention to you – and no arguments about bed-time or lights out was a give-away!
I heard your talk – the things that were laughed about, the jokes you were telling, and I recognised what were they focused on.
Then I watched those who weren't involved in the group. I knew that Colin didn't like to get into serious trouble and he was disengaging himself from your group. I saw that Neil was trying desperately to get into your favour and was all over you ...
Those few clues were enough for me. My “psychic" warnings kept me more alert than usual – and a little longer after bed-time. So I was there when you made your move. You don't know, Marty (and I'm not going to tell you) how often you are all on my mind – the times when I have known you are OK and we've all slept in peace; the times my quiet walking down the dark passages has led to my tapping on a door where sobs broke the illusion of peace and safety; and the times like tonight when I was simply one step ahead of you!
Psychic? No, just doing my job, the experience I gain from knowing you, and my willingness to stick around – because I'm a child care worker.
