For the dreamers, the visionaries, and other “what iffers” out there…

For teachers, administrators, coaches, mentors, scout leaders, parents, relatives, and anyone else who interacts with children

WHAT IF…

I probably preface questions with these two words countless times a day. These two powerful words are vision molders, because they push our minds to think of what we truly want to see happen on a consistent basis.

So…let’s do some what iffing…

What if…

All kids were treated the same way we want our loved ones to be treated?

What if…

A child is forever marked because an adult gave up on them?

What if…

When a teacher or coach was hurtful, they apologized to the kids they hurt?

Pause! We are all human and we will say things to kids that we shouldn’t say. The words, ‘I’m sorry’ go a LONG way. They model humility, imperfection, and demonstrate to kids the exact behavior we want them to exhibit when they hurt someone.

What if…

No adult ever used sarcasm with children?

What if…

Children were never called out in front of their peers?

What if…

All adults made it a priority to build a relationship with each child?

What if…

The behaviors of a educator/coach/mentor cause a child to give up?

What if…

condescending words from an adult convince a child they are less worthy?

Pause! Sometimes children experience continual reminders of their flaws. As adults, we know how much this impacts us. It is embarrassing, demoralizing, and causes us to question ourselves as deserving of anything good. There simply isn’t a time to cause this type of damage to anyone…period. There just isn’t.

What if…

The goal of every educator/coach/mentor was to prioritize strong and trusting relationships with kids?

What if…

All children felt the same level of love from the adult(s) around them?

What if…

We all tried a little harder to reach kids who are hard to reach?

What if…

We didn’t allow our judgement of how we think kids should act to cloud our ability to connect with them?

What if…

Tolerance, empathy, and patience were practiced on a regular basis by us, and when we slip up, kids know that it isn’t our “norm”?

What if…

We kept our own emotions out of conversations with kids, and allowed ourselves to focus specifically on the helping the child? (teaching, coaching, self regulation, etc.)

I won’t settle for anything less than “what iffing”. If we don’t hold ourselves to this high standard, and then own when we don’t do what is best for kids, how can we expect kids to put forth effort and to care about us?

Challenge….do more “what iffing”! It keeps me in check, and I believe it will others too!

JUST DO IT!

Bethany

(continual dreamer and what iffer….constantly searching for excellence because our kids deserve nothing less)