"In times of stress, the best thing we can do for each other is to listen with our ears and our hearts and to be assured that our questions are just as important as our answers."
-Fred Rogers
How do the words above resonate with you?
Pause here for a moment and free yourself from distractions:
Take a deep breath in... exhale slowly... deep breath in... exhale slowly... deep breath in... exhale slowly... calm your mind and be present...
Who remember Mr. Rogers from Mister Rogers' Neighborhood? Perhaps I'm dating myself, but as a child I clearly remember being entertained by him. As an adult I have a different appreciation for Fred Rogers' creativity and dedication in inspiring young and old to be kinder and care for each other as neighbors. Timeless sentiments I find appropriate for these current unprecedented moments.
Many students have been home from college for some time now. Graduations have taken place... some virtual and several other creative celebrations... Younger students also took on distance learning and somehow survived along with their family support system, parents, teachers and other adults, through a global pandemic, experiencing some personal losses, in addition to, the media attention placed on the life of George Floyd. in an 8 minute and 46 second video, highlighting police brutality and serving as a catalyst for the current protests and movements around the world, in an effort to finally put an end to systemic racial oppression and injustice primarily affecting black people and people of color. Way too much going on to ignore.
How do you talk about race with your children and/or students?
Think about that for a moment...
Conversations about race and racial oppression can uncomfortable for adults. Children are smarter than we think., however...
What's your plan to continue the conversation with young adults and the children you come in contact with?
How will race and social justice issues this be addressed across grade levels in our school systems?
"Confronting our feelings and giving them appropriate expression always takes strength, not weakness."
-Fred Rogers
I wonder if anybody as taken the time to ask them...
Today's Challenge: Ask a child and really listen to their response:
Intentionally pay close attention to the the young people you come in contact with. The topic of race and/or social injustice is bound to come up.
Take time and thoughtfully consider an age appropriate question to ask.
Provide a safe non-judgmental environment where the young person is comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings.
Have a conversation, an open dialog and listen, really listen and assure them their voice is being heard.
Young people can teach adults an awful lot, if we only listen...
How will you talk about race with a young person? What are your willing to do?
...Don't miss your opportunity...
Be intentional, encourage others to do the same and watch what happens.
You got this!
Coach Tavia
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