Take time for maintenance.

A car needs regular maintenance to run properly. If it does not get a tune-up or oil change or rotated tires, the car starts running wobbly. The same thing can happen to you. You too need to take time to do maintenance work on yourself. Take care of yourself. You are a special person. Today and this week-end, take time for you. Do things to make yourself feel better. You know better than anyone the things that give you energy, that enhance your life. Take time to be kind to yourself and do those things. The more time you take for your own “maintenance,” the more you will be able to give to your students.

Have an awesome day and week-end.

Maryln

Do first things first.

The end of the school year can be overwhelming. There are so many things to do. Tackle each thing “first things first” in order of importance. Pat yourself on the back as you get each thing done. You are a difference maker.

Have an awesome day.

Maryln

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) recently reported that over 8.3 million children under the age of 18, live with at least one parent who is dependent on or abused alcohol or illicit drugs during the past year. That is nearly 12 percent of our nation’s children!

When I read these figures I was shocked. I have had drug and alcohol use and abuse in loved ones, and I know it is a huge burden on the family. Last week, this hit home even more. I have had a dear friend for many years. We met when our children were very young and she and I became friends and our children played together. She called last week to tell me that her oldest daughter was dead. Her daughter had been shot multiple times by her husband, who was violently drunk at the time. My friend was staying the night in their home. She tried to help her daughter, but her daughter feared for her mom’s life and told her to go out of the room. My friend went and called the police. They came, and there was a shoot-out in which the police shot and killed the husband. The family had two little girls, 9 and 10, who heard the raging and the shooting, as did my friend. These little girls now have no mom and no dad. My son Marty and I flew to Colorado to be with everyone for the funeral and to help with the little girls.

Addiction is a huge tragedy. It totally changes the person who becomes an addict. It is so easy to become addicted. The alcohol or drug at first may seem to make life better for the person who uses it, but in reality, it becomes an escape. The addicts I have known who have become sober all tell similar tales. They tell of their downfall, thinking they could control the substance, how their lives eventually became ruined, and how deep inside, they hated themselves for what they were doing. The families of the addicts live with pain and suffering, and for many of these families, this includes violence. They ride on a roller coaster of trying to have hope on the days the addict has a good day, and then feeling total despair on the bad days. The effects on the lives of children are enormous.

I believe we each can do our part in helping overcome substance addiction in future generations.

First, say no to drugs and alcohol yourself. Children need to learn there are other ways to cope with pain and anxiety and they copy their role models. You are a role model so have an alcohol free home.

Secondly, talk about alcohol and drugs, and its ramifications. Talk about how people always think they can control it, but after awhile it controls them.

Thirdly, give children healthy outlets for stress like physical exercise, singing, playing an instrument, dancing, and best of all, talking.

Fourthly, create a safe environment so that children can come and talk to you about anything without feeling judged.

Fifth, do not be an enabler is there is someone who is abusing drugs or alcohol in your family. Get yourself to some healthy Al-Anon meetings. These are programs for families and friends of addicts.

Sixth, report suspected cases of addiction in which a child may be abused. There are many children who do not speak up because they love the person who is the addict, but there can be child abuse, neglect, and child sexual abuse in the home.

Seventh, be honest and open and pray. I believe a family that prays together can weather most storms. Life has its curves, but with faith, and a strong loving atmosphere, those storms can be weathered to the point of smooth sailing.

Have a great day. You are a difference maker.

Maryln

You have to work at it.

A visitor new to the United States went into a restaurant and sat down at a table. He looked all around. People were eating and enjoying their meals. He waited and waited for the waiter to come and take his order. No one came. He kept waiting. No waiter! He didn’t realize that it was a cafeteria. He needed to get up and choose his food. It is the same with the children you teach. They will not automatically start learning or behaving. You have to help them. You are the one that has to do the work to engage them. The more interesting and fun you make learning, the more they will listen, and the more they will learn. You can do that. You are a difference maker.

Have an awesome day.

Maryln

June days—We see life glisten.

June is a special month. It is a month filled with buds turning into flowers and shrubbery. I have always loved this short poem about June by James Russell Lowell.

And what is so rare as a day in June?
Then, if ever, come perfect days;
Then Heaven tries earth if it be in tune,
And over it softly her warm ear lays:
Whether we look, or whether we listen,
We hear life murmur, or see it glisten.

“Whether we look, or whether we listen, we hear life murmur, or see it glisten.” And where better does that happen than when you work with children and see the gift of hope that they are? They are so filled with life, and your job is to help those lives have greater meaning and hope.

Maryln