Handle With Care

Recently, I read an Instagram post which a mother of a preschooler posted a letter written by her child’s teacher which told parents that if their child is having a difficult day or is going through something that they could send her an email on that day simply stating, “Handle with Care”. The teacher would later go on to say that she would not pry into the matter but do her best to give the student extra support and compassion on that day. Her goal was to work in partnership with parents/caretakers to make sure that the students would “thrive.” Of course, there was a debate in the comments regarding the teacher’s duty as a mandatory reporter and that avoiding asking questions could present potential risks to the welfare of the child. I agree with this viewpoint, sometimes the lack of inquiry can prove to be detrimental to a child’s wellbeing. However, I also believe that the intent behind this letter does not negate common sense, but the letter was written in the vein of genuine love and compassion. There have been times that I have sent my child to school after they have experienced the death of a pet or were told that a family member was in the hospital, or someone passed away. As a former school counselor, I have watched teens come to school exhausted from working late to help their families, unclean because they did not have anyone to wash their clothes or upset because they were waiting for the school bus in the rain. Young people today experience a wide range of emotions and stress which can prevent them from showing up to school bright eyed bushy tailed and ready to learn. Occasionally, or sometimes more than usual, these young people need to be “Handled with Care”.  Unfortunately, adults minimize children’s stress or worry because they are not independent, and others are responsible for their care. However, this is all the life they know, and everything matters in their world. Just think about those experiences that you had as a child and how you have never forgotten that they happened. What difference would it have made if a teacher knew to treat you with care. My hope is that all children are treated with compassion and understanding care but that is not always the reality. So, if a parent/caretaker can provide a heads up to the person who will spend the next 8 hours with their child, I believe that it will make an enormous difference in the child and teachers day. I am thankful for the teachers that have answered my early morning email/text when I shared that my son had a rough night and was crying in the car. I appreciated them for sending a midday update to let me know that he was doing well or that she gave him a big hug when he walked in the classroom.

Honestly, all of us need a little with love and compassion as we go about our daily lives. The blessing of being a child is that you can have someone advocate for you so that your day can be better than it started.

“Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be Kind. Always.” ~Robin Williams

Be Well,

Danielle