The Hard Part

Before I begin, I’m going to start off with a negative comment but one I feel strongly about-

Child molesters should be shot. NOT given a second chance. Now that that’s out of the way…

Teaching is a  ministry. I’ve always known it but sometimes forget to view it that way. It’s our jobs, as teachers, to show God’s love for these kiddos. So many of whom are not receiving the love, encouragement and support they need at home.

Some of you have heard me talk about my “challenge” this year. A beautiful little girl who had to be restrained almost daily last year…in kindergarten! She is bright- does amazing work and has a great personality…when she chooses too. Despite the constant resistance, objection and not letting adults be in charge, I’ve fallen madly in love with her.

Her at home life is terrible. Something I’ve known from day one. Although I didn’t know the extent, it’s beyond obvious her family has some not ok things going on. She has six other siblings, all of which have the same behavoir issues as she does. She told me a couple days ago her brother just got out of jail- I had no idea she had a brother in jail and had no idea why he was in there. But as her behavior has progressively grown over the last week or so, I assumed him being out of jail had something to do with it. My assumption (of what he did to get him there in the first place) was confirmed today when I talked to my counselor. Even though I’m her teacher she still can’t share details with me. It’s sickening and pisses me off. I know many kids today go through what she’s been through (and I’m assuming her other sisters), but good grief- the brother is sixteen. And how in the world did mom let this happen….or at least continue when she did know it was happening. And now he’s out of jail…I sure as heck hope he wont be allowed to live back at home.

One of my many lessons for today was to remember that no matter what she does I can never let her doubt how much she means to me. I can’t change my tone of voice from the loving, caring one she needs so much to hear. I still have to drill into her to let the adult be in charge, but the times I get frustrated or she does something really over the top (she’s perfected testing and pushing people’s buttons) I can’t change the way I react. Our school staff is the only place she’s getting what she needs and I can’t let her doubt how we truly feel about her.

Just a little insight into my  year so far. It is my job to show these kids they are truly safe and cared about here. This situation has reminded me of what led me to this profession in the first place. So to my fellow teachers reading this- keep doing what you’re doing. Keep showing kids how much you truly care, no matter how much they make you not want to and last…pray for them. Lots.