Conley: Do whatever it takes for children

“Whatever It Takes” is the title of the book I found while cleaning my office this summer. 

It is an educational, school-improvement text on how schools should respond when kids do not learn. It describes a school-wide system of interventions that provides all students with additional time and support when they have trouble in their learning (Dufour, Dufour, Eaker and Karhanek, 2004). 

In the educational world, this book offers simple and successful strategies to help our students learn. However, the one solution it does not offer is the method to reach our students in the plugged-in, media-gripped age in which we currently live.

In the last week, I have been plagued with the feeling that I am not doing enough. It is a self-reflection of feeling powerless when, in fact, we are powerful. I offer three suggestions to overcome feeling defeated.

First, be alert. It is crucial to be aware of what is taking place around us in order to have the right response to the situation. 

Second, be diligent. Invest your time and energy to help our children, never losing faith of the task of helping them become a person of high character. 

Third, be a model of forgiveness. We must show our children how to forgive by forgiving them when they make mistakes. Clear the record of the actions that have hurt or wronged us and never hold a grudge against the person. Forget what is behind and do not dwell or live in the past. We must learn from our past experiences, but not live by them.

In essence, do whatever it takes to mold, guide, insulate and love our children. DO WHATEVER IT TAKES!