Quick, what are the top three issues most impacting young people today.
I had the privilege of being part of an Interview Team and that question was posed to the candidates.
I would have loved to engage in a conversation with the candidates regarding their choices, but being an interview and all, there was no time for that. (Perhaps we need to change the way we go about interviewing. I am thinking it should be more conversational, instead of buzz words and sound bites).
This question has stuck with me and I would be interested in your perspective and feedback. I wish I could have had a meaningful conversation with the candidates and then asked them to express their ideas on how to promote positive change to these issues.
Here are my top three--
Stress. Or maybe you call it Worry or Anxiety. More and more I think it is a chronic state of being for young people. To be sure, chronic stress does a lot of damage to one's mental state and physical well-being. Here is a recent study on Stress by the American Psychological Association. While this focus is on young adults, I find it to be true for children.
Social Connectedness. I think there is a lack of it for some of our young people. Inherently we have a need for a sense of belonging and, yet, that is something that is missing from so many lives. How many students do not feel a connection with their teacher? How many families have a sit-down meal together? How many kids do not know how to engage in play? How many are being intentionally/unintentionally excluded socially? In general, is there a genuine connection being made that is lasting and meaningful?
Thinking. By that, I mean knowing what to do when you do not know what to do. I am a big believer that we all need Alone Time/Quiet Time. I have found that time without constraints can provide ample space for reflection, helps you regulate your behavior, and reaps the benefit of problem solving and figuring out what to do when you do not know what to do.
I imagine your top three issues will vary depending on your student demographics and school culture/climate. That's why I want to hear from you. Please leave a Comment. Or write your own post about it, but be sure to leave a link here in the comment section.
Come to think of it, maybe I'll ask students what their Top Three Issues are which impact them...
I recently heard someone lament that kids do not know how to interact with adults. Here is the problem with that-- in some instances, we do not teach them to communicate. Instead, we tell them what to do and then expect them to do it. Not much communication or interaction in that. Definitely very little thinking involved in such an encounter. Makes me want to stick my head out the window and holler.
I am convinced being generous is a better way to interact/teach. Be generous with your time and patience.
Be nice. Compassion helps. Some kids are given the What For all the time. They don't need marching orders. Our students do not need a harsh, judgmental ear. I am convinced they thrive with a sensitive and accepting one.
I am convinced that we should pursue peace in every situation. Albert Einstein said,
"Peace cannot be kept by force. It can only be achieved by understanding."
We all want to be understood. Don't we? So, try understanding. It will help to build some empathy. A little may go a long way.
I am convinced we need to appreciate the wisdom of others. Sometimes that wisdom comes from the places you'd least expect. Like the time we visited a homeless shelter where a man confided,
"Beauty surrounds me."
Or when a young student volunteered that,"Mental strength is what courage means to me."
I'm for being honest. As in, I don't know. Or, let's try it out and see if it works. Kind of like trying on a new coat to see how it fits.
I am convinced the 'little things' make all the difference. A nod of encouragement. A pat on the back. A high five or a fist bump. A smiling glance.
I am convinced that laughter has the capacity to enhance the clarity of relationship. When was the last time your students heard you laugh out loud with them?
Generosity. Compassion. Peace. Laughter. These are just some of the ingredients essential to developing a rapport built on respect. Take time to engage in meaningful conversation as a way to nurture trust for the student. These are some things for which I am convinced. How about you?
