Hurt

This post has tugged at my heart for months. 

How do we help our students who come to school living in or with trauma? 

When I read this article, I felt as if it had been written for me. Then, I thought, I must not be alone. 

You see, I have had students like this. Students who at such a young age are overwhelmed by circumstances, often beyond their control. Students who are hurt. 

Each person handles these circumstances in different ways. As a child, I too, came to school hurting; wishing for better. How did I cope? Well, I retreated. I tried not to stand out but blend in. Hoping that no one would see the emotional pain I was in. As a result, school became my safe haven; a place where I could escape from my childhood trauma.

Today, as a teacher, I see my students act upon their trauma in different ways. While some may retreat like me, others, escalate, meltdown and go into fits of rage. What I have learned is that the child is not purposefully acting out. Instead, it is a cry for help.

There are some things that I can do to allow for success and to help.

Although, not an expert, here is some advice that I have learned over the years.

First and foremost, be mindful. Show respect and love for the child. Be willing to listen. Create a calm environment. Keep calm. Seek help. Show unconditional acceptance. Be willing to be vulnerable with the child. Forgive. Trust. Nurture. Be a champion. Advocate. Let them be little. Repeat.

Only, then, can you begin to teach strategies to handle one's emotions.

As a teacher, you may never see the "effects" of your work but know in your heart that you did good. Children in trauma need us. I know. I was that little girl.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. This year's theme is Building Community, Building Hope. For more information or help, you may want to visit here.