Those who work in schools are care-givers. In the course of a day they bandage scrapes, referee spats, provide snacks and model unconditional love. In all that they do, they provide the foundational support so that children in their care can learn. This is not merely complicated work – it COMPLEX. Each encounter an adult in a school has with a student helps build the trust and health of the child and, as these relationships get stronger, students minds open up and they can flourish. There is no measuring the impact that a helpful adult has on a child. They are guardian saints.
Here’s the thing though . . . who’s caring for the care-giver? We all enter the field because we believe in children, we believe we have something to offer, we believe in the future. Typically, those who work in schools are optimistic, hope filled people. They knew what they were in for when they got into the profession. They give and they give and they give.. At some point though, we all need to fill our tanks – we cant keep giving out our energy without recharging. We need to take care of ourselves
So, who takes care of the care-givers?
I know from my walk-throughs in schools that our children are especially well cared for. I also know that staffs take care of each other. We slip down to the staff room for laughs, we buy coffee for each other, we lend an ear when we sense that someone needs it. Schools attract the very best of people. We look out for each other.
That being said, we have an obligation to also ensure that we are taking care of ourselves as well. It doesn’t take a genius to know that if we don’t care for ourselves, we can’t care for others. We need to eat right. We need to stay physical. We need the mental reprieve that a nice vacation can provide. These are the fuels that enable us to keep doing the great work that we’re doing with kids.
So stay healthy – take time for yourself. You matter! We see the great work that you do on a regular basis – you make an exponential impact on the future! Keep up the great work but make sure you take time for you! Keep striving to be the very best version of yourself and that requires that you stay healthy!
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