Where are We Now??

          It is a whirlwind kind of an hour, day, week.  There are so many things to be completed between now and then, then being whenever because it doesn't matter there are so many things to be done period that there is no possible way to finish them all.  Blog posts, Pinterest boards, topics of inquiry, adolescent reads, schedules, trainings, meetings, work sites, added on to all of the regular laundry and housework, a girl's head is liable to spin right off of her head. 
          The purpose of this blog is how it relates specifically to this class that I am taking but also to what I am going to be doing in Education.  Is this post even relevant then?  Absolutely!!  Besides the fact that I am writing it and whatever I say has credit it's important to remember that our students will often times feel this way.  Both of my kids are getting ready for AP tests and it's all about studying for those, getting ready for regular finals, finding summer employment and hopefully helping some with that above named housework. 
          If my head is going to spin off, what does a teenagers look like without guidance?  No wonder the depression rates and suicide rates are higher among kids.  How does a student go forward?  What if they don't have anyone to go to?  As educators we need to be aware of all of that and be able to help our students.  We need to be able to see when they are becoming overwhelmed and help them find some relief, some stress relief. 
          Where are we now?  What can we do to help the teenager?  I'm not sure I have the answers to that question.  I'm still trying to figure myself out.  I can say with certainty that they need us.  They need the added guidance.  As a parent it's nice to have someone on my side too whether it be from a teacher or coach.  Kids are getting so many influences from outside directions that it's nice to have someone backing us up. 
          As a coach I know there are times my athletes need a mental health day.  How that athlete handles the day is an important part of who they are.  I have had swimmers yell that they aren't leaving.  I have had swimmers happily go on their merry way.  Help them no matter what though, anticipate their needs and guide them in the right directions.