So sad for my students.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm a teacher. I can't be specific or really share with my friends or colleagues as families have confided in me with a lot of struggles recently. I would never break anyone's trust, but I just have to say that my heart feels so heavy going in to this holiday season. I wish I knew what to do to help everyone that needs it. Many financial struggles, dying parents, grandparents, sad divorces, alcoholic parents with custody battles. I like to think I make a difference but some days I feel I'm up against so much. I'd like to do something so special for my class at this time of year, but I feel like I'm exhausted and out of ideas!!

God/deity/whatever you prefer, bless you. Thank you for doing what you do.

[Anonymous]

Agree with previous posters. If you love what you do, you can make the most important difference in the kids lives.
Kids remember when they have teachers like you.

I hope the best for you.

[Anonymous]

Another teacher here, and I know the feeling. Remember that when home is scary, sad, or chaotic, the great thing about school is that it provides a safe haven of predictability, routine, and security. Continuing your routines, and being how you always are with your students gives them that security. maintaining your positive behavior supports reminds students that you find value in them as people and that support is them, too.

Your work is an act of caring.

[Anonymous]

Teach them. If you can include lessons that talk about perseverance and not giving up. If you can teach them about gratitude and give them opportunities to help others (I've found that often my students who struggle the most love to be helpers because it gives them an opportunity to feel sucessful).

If you can, writ them notes telling them their strengths. Knowing that at least in adult in this worl thinks they are a good person can be a powerful thing.

[Anonymous]

Yes. Love the kids. Each of them individually and collectively, not just the ones you think are cute. This is the best thing you can do. Smile from your soul and let them know you are steady and stable. And yes get rest. Enjoy friends, naps, bubble baths, mindless books and movies and any form of spirituality you can. Take care of yourself.

[Anonymous]

You are a wonderful person and the kids are lucky to have you as their teacher. A teacher like you can make such a big difference in their life , and help them to bring out their best for a lifetime. So you are already giving them the best gift one can give, so be happy for that. Teach them all you can that you think will help them in life, continue to nurture them with love, instill and grow their confidence. God Bless you!!!

[Anonymous]

What do you think will help though? Is it the children or the parents who need most of the help? Is it more emotional, financial or .., ? Do you think things like book drive would help the kids. I am not sure if the area you are in has children from families of lower income that things like this would help, I mean if it is financial.

[Anonymous]

You are awesome. Sometimes the ability to share a burden with someone else is really helpful for kids, because they are sharing without the expectation of help. Just listening can go a long way for them.

Happy holidays to you. You are one of those teachers that kids will look back on when they're older and remember fondly for having made a difference to them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'll be the real one here.

Just teach them. The best gift you can give them is a set of solid skills.

Once you blur the lines, you start to lower your expectations b/c you "feel sorry for them."

Don't fall into that trap.

90% of my career has been spent at challenging schools.

T.H.I.S.