We're doing goal-setting in class, but it's hard for a kid to set goals when he feels like his life is falling apart. I saw it in his posture and in his face today and pulled him into my office. I took his worksheet from him, and instead gave him a long hug and a shoulder to cry on. What to do next, though? He knows what he needs to change, but is in no mental state to change it. Seems like this is often the case...just when you need your wits about you, emotion erases all logic. And some of it is out of his hands. I'll try to help, but he needs so much more than I can give him. All I can do is tell him that his life will get better, but it's going to suck for a while, and I'll do whatever I can.
This has been happening a lot lately, situations in which I suddenly feel like my role as teacher has suddenly morphed into part therapist, part friend, part coach, part mother, part grandmother, and part devil's advocate. And I feel pretty unprepared to do any of it. I love these kids, though. Sometimes it's hugs and sometimes it's tough love they need. I just hope I'm doing the right things.