karenyoung_heysigmund
We have to change the way we think about school. When we prioritise academics, it`s like building the walls - because that`s what we see - before fortifying the foundations.
So many teachers know this, but with the increased focus on reporting and academics, they aren`t being given the time and opportunity to build the relationships that will ensure those foundations are strong and steady.
This is why too many kids are falling down at school - not because they aren`t capable, but because the necessary foundations for them to do well haven`t been laid.
Schools are spending the resources anyway, but reactively on behaviour management, disengagement, reduced capacity to learn.
If we can steer those resources towards building relational safety, so kids feel more seen, valued, cared for, rather than less capable or clever, we`ll see a decrease increased academic success, greater engagement, less social struggles, and less behaviour issues. It`s just how it is.
First though, we need to value relationships and the way kids feel at school, even more than how they do at school. All kids are capable of their own versions of greatness, but unless they feel safe and cared for at school, we just won`t see what they are capable of, and neither will they.❤️
We have fallen in love with your books, videos, webinars since the first day we found you. I say ‘we’, because my daughter (my so very anxious 8-year old worrier) and I read “hey Warrior” all the time and she often cites the information in it to help another anxious friend and herself. These tools are our life line to managing her school, relationships, stress, and whatever else life throws at her. So thankful for your work!
I’m so pleased the information you’ve found here has been helpful – your words are everything. And what a light your gorgeous girl is for those around her. Children and teens with anxiety are so often wise and empathic and compassionate – true beacons, no doubt about it.
Thank you for sharing your resources so generously.
It’s my pleasure. I hope they’re helpful.
Once again— you give us parents (and kids) such excellent information and advice!
Thanks so much Deirdre.