Children need models rather than critics

That is a quote by Joseph Joubert. I have been thinking about that a lot today. In our Primary we have a few boys who have a hard time sitting still and quite. We also have a few adults who have a hard time being patient and loving with them. The whole situation makes me so sad, because it reminds me of my brother Adam at that age. I remember when he was a pre-teen and he was telling me why he didn't want to go to church anymore: because they always kicked him out in the hallway. He eventually left the church. I am not trying to take any responsibility away from him and not hold him accountable for his own choices, but among other factors, what a difference a loving and patient primary teacher could have made. I don't know what the perfect solution is either, because it is important to maintain order in Primary. In my previous ward we a had a leadership training meeting that blew me out of the water. Up until that point I thought that my job as a Primary teacher was to teach my lesson and get the kids to sit still during sharing time. But at that meeting I was enlightened, my real job was to help the children recognize and listen to the promptings of the Spirit. Wow, that filled me with purpose like I had on my mission. I wish that I could recreate that meeting here, but I am just a secretary, how can I teach the other adults to treat the children with love and respect and provide them with opportunities to learn from the Spirit? I only see what happens in sharing time, not in the classes, I am sure the teachers do a wonderful job with their lessons.