The preschoolers were labeling each other as naughty and nice this year with the accompanying threat or promise. Then they broke out into song, "You better watch out, you better not pout, you better not cry, I'm telling you why, Santa Claus is coming to town." So we sat together at carpet time and talked about this song. I said, "Sometimes I am sad or hurt and I cry. Sometimes I feel bad and my face shows it. Is that okay?" (yes's all around). So we rewrote the lyrics). "You better not hit, you better not kick, you outta talk nice I'm telling you why, that is how you make friends for life."
As a society we have become more aware of mental health and I am grateful for that. I have taught preschool for SO many years that I admit I have sung this song with the children. We will only be singing the revised version from here on out.
