Trauma+Pandemic+Stress= We MUST Treat Others with care

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I saw this image earlier today and it hit me  pretty hard.  

We know the impacts of trauma.  We've been talking about them for years.  In a regular year, we know we need to be mindful of the past experiences our students have had and how they impact them now.

Now we are living in a pandemic with all the stressors that emerged with it and things are HARD for many students, families.. AND EMPLOYEES.

I urge you to study this image and to pause.  Consider your students. Consider the families.  Consider your employees. 

Now, make a plan about how you will internalize this to:

• Create a plan to pause when you are interacting with others to remember you don't know their whole world or situation so don't pretend to or make assumptions.
• Recognize that pretty much every single person was impacted by the pandemic and related stressors and are still being impacting.
• Be mindful of your language. Avoid judging statements.  Seek to listen and be compassionate, not judge (avoid "I think you are overreacting; it's not that bad...)
• Know that children don't always have the words to tell you what they are worried about or why.  Sometimes they just need to know it's a safe space and they can unload on you when needed and still be loved.
• Know that you staff are also impacted.  Many are frankly stressed to the max and barely hanging on.  They want to do well.  They are worried.  They have adapted to a zillion changes in a short amount of time and done well.
• Remember the stages of grief.... there are many stages and they don't go in order and weird things can trigger loss/grief/sadness/anger/frustration.  Remind people who are struggling with these emotions they are normal and encourage them to talk to a professional.
• Know that you are not the professional (unless you are a certified counselor).   Know your limits.  Be a listening, supportive ear--- refer them to professionals for support.
• Consider a system in your school/office to notify appropriate people only to "handle with care" when you become aware of a stressful situation impacting a student, family, or employee. Protect confidences and don't share much info.  Just put a few trusted people on alert to keep an eye on those who are going through a lot.
  
• Wrap around your people!  Build a supportive, caring community.
  

Now, make a promise to treat everyone with kindness and respect.  Create a culture where everyone on your team is mindful about the stress load on families, students and colleagues.

What's the best approach:

• Listen with compassion.
• Offer to be a resource, a support, a safe space.
• Maintain high expectations and be supportive, full of grace and compassion.
• Open a conversation about stress, impacts of the pandemic, supports available within in your district or community.
• Be Kind!