One of Bev Bos's many wise sayings.
I was in California last week, the home state of Bev Bos, legendary early childhood advocate and mentor to thousands. She died the week before I spoke on Feb. 4, and it was fitting that I should be addressing a collection of cooperative preschools. Bev dedicated 50 years to leading the Roseville Community Preschool, a co-op preschool, in California. My hosts dedicated the evening as a tribute to Bev.
I suppose that in some ways, Bev helped write my first book. It’s OK Not to Share is filled with wisdom from the School for Young Children, a preschool in my hometown in Columbus, Ohio. Bev Bos was a great friend to SYC and all the teachers there. They visited each other’s programs and spread inspiration.
It’s OK Not to Share had many mentors: Mr. Rogers from Mr. Rogers Neighborhood, Bev Bos, Haim Ginott, teachers from SYC who’d taught 30 and 40 years in the classroom. Some of these inspirations I met, some of them I’ve never met, but their ideas have lived and spread. That’s the power of a true mentor. Someone whose influence is not contained in a single life.
I never met Bev Bos, but I was looking forward to meeting her in April. We were both due to keynote at a wonderful Play conference in Washington, DC. Now the rest of us need to carry that spark on.
Who are your mentors - in life, writing or early childhood? Have you ever reached out to thank this amazing person?
My dad was a great mentor. He quietly persevered through whatever came his way, and showed me the value of play, sports, discipline, and practicing to get better.
Another mentor is one of my two best friends, Dennis. The great lesson he taught me was life is too short to save all the fun and recreation until retirement. He's had great balance between work and play in his life, and my life is richer because he taught me that by example.
Chris
Chris, Thanks for sharing your mentors. Dennis's example is something so rare these days - and yes, we need to see the living embodiment of it - balancing play and work. As my father says, "All work and no play make Jack a dull boy."
Thank you for recognizing and remembering Bev Bos. She was the best! Jan Waters
I know you're missing her. Hugs.
I was sad to read your post about Bev. I heard her speak many times and even had the pleasure of having dinner with her at an event! Every time I read (or reread) one of her books, I learned something new. Wouldn't it be great if there was a compilation of all her wonderful and inspiring quotes, like the one you posted!!!
So glad you got to meet her, and isn't it amazing how we are ready to hear certain messages only as time goes on? Good for you re-reading Bev's wisdom - and I'm looking forward to seeing what quotes you collect!
Bev Bos
What a gift she was. We were blessed with the opportunity to participate in her preschool. We sent both our daughters there. Actually, after the first day, our eldest said she did not want to leave and requested that we move there and live with Bev in the preschool while holding onto Bev's hand. Upon hearing this Bev picked her up and hugged her and quietly said something I don't remember which made leaving OK.
One did not just drop off kids there, as parents, all parents, were required to help run the school. Bev also require all parents to reularly participate in a parenting class one per month. There was a manditory contractual fine of $200.00 for failure to do so.
Beyond the money, only an idiot would refuse. For she was a gifted orator and teacher who provided us with vital knowledge regarding raising and educating our kids.
One thing she made us realize is that everything we do or say impacts our child's life forever.
So, it was important to be fully present in the moment with our children and to engage with empathy when interacting. Furthermore, we should eliminate the word "no" from our vocabulary. This proved easier said than done. The trick being to preemptively protect our kids from harm and harming thing by removing any dangers or precious objects from the home environment thus eliminating the need to say no or don't.
I could write a series of books about her value to us as parents.