The Sue Atkins Wednesday Story – The Cleaning Lady.

Metaphors and stories have been used for centuries as a method of healing, learning and guidance for parents and children alike.

Every Wednesday I write a story from my never ending notebook and everlasting coloured pencil that will make you think, reflect or inspire you with a new way of thinking about your parenting.

Here are over 60 of my famous Wednesday Stories To Pause and Ponder – enjoy and let me know your favourite.

Today’s story is:

The Cleaning Lady

‘During my second month of nursing school, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions, until I read the last one: “What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?”

Surely this was some kind of joke.

I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50s, but how would I know her name? I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade.

“Absolutely,” said the professor. “In your careers you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say ‘hello’.

I’ve never forgotten that lesson.

I also learned her name was Dorothy.’

So what did this story bring up for you ?

Is this a value that you could teach your children?

My thanks to Brian Cullen, Master Trainer of NLP  based in Nagoya, Japan.