Working with these kids breaks my heart.

They've all had a hard life up to now and for some of them school is the only constant thing in their life. Now I've been allocated my own Golden time activity (not sure if I mentioned this before) but I get to supervise the computer room and get 3 kids from each class. Now obviously class 5 know me and quite like the idea of doing computers with me, so as there are only 3 kids from each class allowed this is a first come first served thing. Well Gerry let one teble go first, then the second table went and 2 people wanted to go on the computers which left one space open for the two kids who sit on my table to get, well Keeley go to choose first to Tom was upset as he wouldn't be able to do them this week but his name is down first for next week (infact I know who will be in my Golden time computer group untill half term from class 5 as that many people wanted to do it). What really broke my heart was that Tom cried. Actual tears rolling down his face because he wasn't allowed to do computers this week. I just wanted to hug him and let him come and do them but rules are rules and he can do it next week.

After golden time we all went back into class and Ella was missing so Gerry asked me if I could go and find her. She was sat crying in the cloak room. I ended up missing story time and hugging her while she told me that her mum was nasty to her and wouldn't let her do anything or go out and told her off all the time, now there is really not alot you can do in this situation, apart from tell her that you're sure her mum has her reasons and that when she's older she'll be able to do what she likes etc, but she was telling me that she was always in trouble for not doing things at the time she was suppose to but as she's not got a watch then she doesn't know what time it is so she can't make sure she's not late. Now obviously I have no idea if any of this is true, but what my heart wants to do is get her a watch for her birthday (which is 2 days before mine) Obviously this is not going to happen for a couple of reason, 1) If I got her something I'd have to get them all one and there is no way I could afford 24 watches. 2) I'm sure her mum would be pissed off about it. So instead I've kind of resolved that I might send them all a Birthday Card on their birthday instead.

Now I thow this question out to the ether that is the blog reading public (please please leave me a comment that with your opinion on this as I do want to know). Is it a bad thing to send a Birthday card to each child when it's their birthday??

I look forward to your views on this!