Before You Say “These Kids”

May Is Testing More Than Students

May Feels Heavy

May feels heavy for educators.

The deadlines.
The testing.
The behaviors.
The burnout.
The emotional exhaustion.

For many educators, May feels like survival mode.

And if we are not careful, frustration begins to speak louder than compassion.

“These kids.”
“This group is awful.”
“These parents do not care.”

But I want us to pause for a second and really think about the language we use, especially this time of year.

“These kids.”

Those words may seem small, but they can quickly become trigger words that shape our mindset, our tone, our expectations, and ultimately our behavior.

Because if we constantly speak defeat, frustration, and negativity over children, school, and each other, the final days of the year will feel even heavier than they already do.

Words carry weight.

And children can feel what adults believe about them long before we ever say it directly.

Parents Are Not Keeping the “Good Ones” at Home

I also want to remind educators of something important:

Parents are not keeping the “good ones” at home.

Every parent is sending us a human being.
A child carrying experiences, emotions, trauma, fears, strengths, needs, questions, and stories we may never fully understand.

And I truly believe most parents are doing the best they can, even when their best may not feel good enough.

But the truth is, none of us are truly “good enough.”

Not one.

Scripture reminds us clearly that we all fall short daily.

“He without sin cast the first stone.”

Yet somehow, adults often expect children to regulate emotions, handle conflict maturely, show respect, and remain calm while many of us still struggle with controlling our own reactions.

That should humble us.

Because emotional maturity is not proven by age.

It is practiced through discipline, reflection, accountability, and self control.

Let God Shut Your Mouth

This takes me back to my last two blogs.

Sometimes we have to let God shut our mouths the same way He shut the doors of the ark.

There are moments where we have to stop speaking frustration, stop feeding negativity, stop rehearsing complaints, and trust God enough to carry us through the storm without making things harder for everyone around us.

No matter what it feels like, we have to trust Him to carry us to the other side.

Because often times in education, you may be the only emotionally mature adult a child has access to consistently.

That matters more than we realize.

Words Wound

Words wound deeper and faster than bullets sometimes.

Words can destroy confidence.
Words can shape identity.
Words can become internal narratives children carry for years.

Words can kill.

And it all starts internally first.

How we speak to ourselves.
How we feel.
What we believe to be true.

Eventually, it comes out of our mouths and shows up in our behavior.

This is why respect must be modeled, not merely demanded.

Respect the children.
Respect the custodians.
Respect the parents.
Respect your coworkers.
Respect yourself.

Treat people the way you wish to be treated, even when it requires turning the other cheek.

And before correcting everyone else, always be willing to check yourself first.

The Work Is Never Done

Just because the school year may be coming to an end does not mean the work is done.

The work is never done.

And if you are miserable, emotionally drowning, or constantly suffering, it is okay to examine the water you are in and ask yourself honestly if you still belong there.

Not every environment is healthy water for every person.

But wherever you are, trust God to walk with you through it.

Hardship is often an opportunity to please God.

Tests and trials reveal faith.

God already knows He can trust you.

The real question is:

Do you trust Him?

Do you trust Him with “these kids”?
“These parents”?
“These people”?

Or do you believe it is your responsibility to tell everyone around you how you feel before first praying and asking God to help you?

The Fruits Must Be Practiced

The fruits of the Spirit must be practiced over and over again.

Love.
Joy.
Peace.
Patience.
Kindness.
Goodness.
Faithfulness.
Gentleness.
Self control.

These are not overnight achievements.

Mastering any skill takes a lifetime.

Which means all of us are still learning.

We are lifelong learners not only academically, but spiritually and emotionally too.

So yes, continue handling hell well.

Not because it is easy.
But because God is still with us, even on the hardest days.

The Four Agreements Still Matter

And remember the Four Agreements:

• Be impeccable with your words

• Do not make assumptions

• Do not take things personally

• Always do your best

Of course other people may not do the same.

But that is simply beyond your control.

At the end of the day, we are all in the business of people no matter what field we work in.

And choosing peace over being right is not always easy, but I believe it is and always will be worth it on the other side.

So trust God as we continue our journey through valleys and mountaintops.

And please, do not make life harder on your fellow humans than it has to be.

Last Thought

“If they are giving you a hard time, they are probably having a hard time.”

And just because someone is silent does not mean they are not suffering too.

Some of us are hanging on by the hem of His garment.

Truthfully, all of us need Jesus.

A Prayer for the Final Stretch

I pray that if you are reading this, you are able to finish strong, no matter what that looks like for you.

And remember, finishing strong does not always mean winning.

Sometimes it simply means you made it across the finish line.

Sometimes finishing strong means you kept showing up.
You kept loving.
You kept trying.
You kept going even when you were exhausted.

After all, no one but you truly knows what it takes for you to get out of bed each morning and press your way forward.

God sees it all.

The silent battles.
The emotional exhaustion.
The frustration.
The disappointment.
The prayers you never said out loud.

And still, He has kept you.

So keep going.
Keep believing.
Keep learning.

Do not allow bitterness, exhaustion, or pride to harden your heart in this season.

The test is not only academic.

It is spiritual too.

How will you respond under pressure?
How will you speak when you are frustrated?
How will you treat people when you are tired?
Will you choose peace when it is easier to complain?
Will you trust God enough to let Him help you respond differently?

God is always right there with you.

The question is:

Will you pass the test?