The complete set of 198 Hints are available in paperback from the CYC-Net Press store.
Listen
Stay connectedThe thing about life space work is that while we can offer what Redl called "therapy on the hoof" – we would always prefer kids to get on with their lives as soon as possible. A scuffle may break out during a game. A youngster may receive a physical or ego bruising and a worker will stop by to offer running repairs and a word of encouragement. If there is no serious damage, we spoon the kid back into the mix of the life space.
Of course there are times when respite is indicated, and we would not unnecessarily risk a youth’s well-being in the program, so the time out is used to regather forces for re-entry.
As the group was ready for school someone started to tease Gregory about the clothes he was wearing. These had been a gift from his mother the previous day, and the calls of "Pretty boy" and "Kiss, kiss" upset him. He broke into tears and lashed out at the guilty party. Grace, the Child and Youth Care worker, drew him aside to settle him, just as the school bus was approaching. She had to make a choice: keep him back from school to help him over his agitated state – or reassure him quickly and send him off. The disruption of missing time at school often makes things worse, so she decided on the latter course, straightened out his clothes and saw him onto the bus ... but first said "If you like, come and see me when you get home," and also "You know my number. Give me a call if you need to."
These two strands of continuing contact were helpful "transitional objects" for Gregory to take along to school. He was rejoining the normal group, but took with him the bond of available support if needed. Grace, though absent, stayed connected.
