Lockdown 2 has raised the pressure we are feeling as a society. Small incidents previously glossed over or ignored rise to the surface like oil in water. ‘Covid fatigue’ affects us all, but on different days and at different times. It is rare that everyone is in the same boat, and right now it feels as if it is leaking a little. So, more important than ever to show a little charity, as without charity there is no hope, and boy we need hope.
When I first started teaching all those years ago, I was given a piece of advice that has remained with me. After a particularly bad day and questioning my career choice, I was told that the time you feel least able is the time you need to make the most effort. I’ve lived by this mantra ever since and it has served me well.
We are blessed in our profession, despite the global stresses and strains. Although we need to contain the anxiety of others as well as our own, the children that we work with are perhaps the most undaunted group in society. To live in the moment, now that really is an achievement, and their ability to be ‘present’ sets an example it would be wise to follow. The wisdom of children allows us the privilege of an escape not available to many, and we should recognise this.
We can create something quite magical for children: normality. Whatever happens outside our four walls, inside nursery with its hustle, bustle, excitement and challenge, life is pretty normal. Children laugh (and squabble) – life goes on. As emotions simmer as we head towards an undecided Christmas (a missed Eid and disrupted Diwali), we should remember that we can carve a small space that permits much that is shut away. We can have parties, sing songs and hug our friends. It isn’t quite the same, but it is close enough.
We are the model for children (and sometimes their families). Whatever is happening in the ‘real’ world, we need to go further, dig deeper and ask more of ourselves, not for praise or recognition, but to acknowledge that the resilience we strive to embed in children is currently being tested in ourselves. We need to rise to that challenge because children will follow the pattern that we set.