I listened to this podcast (or youtube link) earlier this week and thought it related quite a bit to parenting. (When I share things like this, it doesn't mean I endorse the entire thing - I just enjoy learning from multiple perspectives and have found some aspects of this particular episode to be interesting)
One of the most challenging aspects of parenting that my wife and I have experienced is harnessing that balance between providing the right amount of support but also allowing our children to be appropriately challenged. As young parents we were told old adage of giving your children roots and wings - so we strived to do just that. (by the way, Gemini told me it is originally from a 1953 book titled Where Main Street Meets The River by Hodding Carter)
We encounter the same challenge as educators at school. We want to hold a high standards for all learners and challenge all students to grow and become better, more equipped learners. However, we also need to provide the right amount of support so the struggle is productive and not discouraging so much that they quit or feel a sense of learned helplessness.
I don't know if there is a right answer on what that look likes. But I do know that building resiliency and getting our students to persevere during challenges is important. I also know that we will have better success with this if we first build positive relationships and trust with both our students and our families.
I am very grateful to work with our staff. I see them do this on a daily basis. From standing in the hallway between class periods, to talking with students about their interests, to building classroom expectations with students, to being the calm and patient person with emotions might run high, to communicating and collaborating with families - our staff truly cares and loves each student.
And we are grateful to be able to work with you. These middle school years can be some of the most difficult. As a parent, I have been through it already with two of our children and have more to go. Thank you for your partnership.
