Letting Go

I find that I am a better teacher as I am able to let go. I am releasing my need to fix children; I am learning to let them struggle. I can narrate their struggles to them, and I can discuss strategies. But their struggles are ultimately not mine.

Talking with a friend recently I realized that we can get in the way of children's struggles. Her daughter has some questions about God. Does God exist? is at the heart of the daughter's dilemma and anger. I realized that if the mom chose to be angry about this, or if she chose to try to "fix" her daughter, she would ultimately distract her daughter from her struggle. Her struggle is with God not her mother.

My students struggle with many things. These are their struggles. I can be a support and a well of unconditional positive regard, but I cannot assume their struggles. It's not my fight. It is theirs and they are stronger for the fight.