November 11
Supporting Children Through Difficult and Confusing Times
No matter what your political beliefs, we can all agree that children, all children matter. Children struggle and become confused around politics, mainly because the way adults treat each other and how it is the opposite of what they are taught. Questions this week from Highlands students; How will we have a president who is so mean? How could we have a president who makes fun of people and is so inappropriate? Who is going to take care of my friend? I thought you said kindness matters? In the face of this confusion and worry it is important to lead with confidence, integrity humility and kindness. Albert Schweitzer, French-German theologian, philosopher and Nobel peace prize winner states, "
Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It is the only thing" He also said "
As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust and hostility to evaporate." We need to listen and courageously support all people and especially our neighbors. Keep pushing children to think about empathy and compassion. Add beauty where and when it seems bleak.
I follow many educators to inform my work and keep me updated on happenings in education.
Donalyn Miller author of The
Book Whisperer
has been inspirational in my work, promoting lifelong learning and literacy for children (and adults). Her Blog this week focused on kindness and purposeful relationships with children for which we serve every day. Miller writes, "Because we live in service to young people, we know they represent the best hope we have for something better. How can we, as educators and family members and artists and Americans, improve our world and help our children reach their full promise as citizens and human beings?" Here a few of Miller's suggestions of focus to keep strengthening and empowering our children.
Teach children about our struggle for civil rights and liberties, including our voting rights.
Our children are America's future voters, freedom fighters, and policymakers. Teaching children about the men and women who fought (and continue to fight) for our fundamental freedoms and the role of government in defining and protecting these rights ensures that our democracy will be actively defended and remain vital.
Examine our relationships with technology and social media.
Continuous access to information and conversations through online platforms provides us lifelong learning and connection with others, but there's a cost. For the sake of our interpersonal relationships and our mental and physical health, we must strike a balance between our personal lives and our public online lives.
Engage children in community service.
Participatory citizens understand that communities work when we all pitch in to help one another, and working to improve our local communities increases our awareness of the challenges and needs of our neighbors. Research volunteer and service learning opportunities in your local area and invest your time and money supporting community-based initiatives. Children grow into their roles as caretakers and helpers through active participation in service.
Thank you for supporting children through difficult times. Remember they are always listening and trying to understand the big ideas of the world.
Politician Bob Kerrey reminds us "Unexpected kindness is the most underrated agent of human change."
Ask a child if they are OK or have questions. Be there to offer a hug, a listening ear and kind words of encouragement. It matters
every day!
See you all tonight at the Great Gathering!
Be Well. Katie
