A few weeks ago, a seven-year-old child slumped down on a grassy patch outside my classroom, defeated. They had been pulled aside by their teacher for throwing their sweatshirt in frustration during recess, narrowly missing another student. I’ve seen this child struggle with emotional outbursts that disrupt our class, but this time, as I knelt down to talk to them, they said, “I’m a horrible person, and no one likes me.”
Those words hit me hard. How could a second grader, with so much life ahead, already feel so low about themselves? I knew that the usual motivational talks might not work, but I was determined to try. “Kid, I beg to differ. You are amazing,” I said with enthusiasm. The surprise on their face told me they didn’t expect a compliment. Yet, I try to embody the spirit of Ted Lasso, channeling optimism to uplift these young ones.
“You’re so thoughtful in class, always putting everyone’s name back on the board after they use the restroom,” I continued sincerely. “You look out for your classmates and help them with their work. You’re a great kid, just going through a tough time, and that’s totally okay. Let’s take a moment here before heading back to class.”
So, that’s what we did. In just a month of knowing this child, I’ve realized they aren’t alone in feeling down. Many of my students are struggling to give themselves the love they deserve. A dozen heart-to-heart talks have shown me that morale is low among kids who are having difficulty connecting socially and academically.
As I sit with these students, I often think, “What would Ted Lasso do?” “I believe in hope. I believe in BELIEVE,” I imagine him saying. “Success isn’t just about wins and losses; it’s about helping these young people be the best versions of themselves.”
If you haven’t yet discovered Apple TV+’s Emmy-winning series, now’s the time. I’ve drawn immense inspiration from Ted Lasso, a soccer coach with a heart full of kindness, which is precisely what we all need today.
Recently, I’ve been particularly grateful for a plotline in the show that sees Ted navigating trauma and its effects, mirroring my own experiences with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. If I had the chance, I would thank him for showing me that it’s okay to not be okay.
This reminds us all to tell our kids—and ourselves—that it’s perfectly fine to struggle. The past year and a half has taken a toll on everyone’s mental health, especially children. The disruptions caused by COVID, remote learning, and social distancing have left many kids feeling isolated and burnt out. They don’t need reminders of not belonging; instead, they need an overflow of love and support as we navigate these challenging times together.
My mission now is to embody Coach Lasso’s optimistic outlook as I guide my students. I shower them with praise and validation, initiate silly dances, and offer elbow bumps and air high-fives. I make it a point to learn as many names as I can and share light-hearted jokes to lift their spirits. I often say, “It’s okay to make mistakes! I just made three, and I’m an adult!” because encouragement is more important than ever.