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A few weeks ago, a seven-year-old slumped down in despair on the grass outside my classroom. They had been taken aside by their teacher after a frustrating recess incident where they almost threw their sweatshirt at another student during an argument. This child often struggles with emotional outbursts that can disrupt our class, and as I knelt beside them, I asked what was troubling them.
“I’m a terrible person, and nobody likes me,” they exclaimed.
Those words hit me hard. How could a second grader already feel such defeat? I knew that no amount of typical pep talks would instantly lift their spirits, but I was determined to try.
“Kid, I have to disagree. You are amazing,” I replied with enthusiasm.
The surprise on their face showed they didn’t expect a compliment at that moment. But I’m not your average educational assistant; I often channel my inner Ted Lasso, spreading positivity to uplift struggling seven-year-olds.
“You’re so considerate in class, always putting everyone’s names back on the board after they go to the bathroom,” I told them sincerely. “You’re always ready to help others with their work. Right now, you’re just a great kid having a tough day. And that’s perfectly fine — we all have rough moments. Let’s take a minute here and then head back to class together.”
And that’s what we did.
Even though I’ve only known this student for about a month, I can see they often lack the self-love they deserve. In fact, they’re not alone; many of the kids in my class are struggling with similar feelings. I’ve had heartfelt conversations with numerous students this year, and the overall morale is surprisingly low for those who haven’t yet connected with the social and academic aspects of school.
As I converse with these young minds, I often wonder: What would Ted Lasso, the eternally optimistic soccer coach, say if he were here to guide me?
“I believe in hope. I believe in BELIEVE,” he would say, his Southern accent echoing in my mind.
“Success isn’t about wins and losses,” he’d remind me. “It’s about helping these kids become their best selves both on and off the field.”
If you haven’t yet discovered Apple TV+’s award-winning comedy series, there’s no better time to start. I’ve drawn immense inspiration from Ted Lasso, a character who, despite knowing little about soccer, excels in spreading kindness. His heartwarming coaching style is precisely what we need in today’s world.
Recently, I’ve also been grateful for a subplot in the show’s second season, where Ted, a beloved character, experiences trauma and related symptoms that resonate deeply with my own struggles with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
If I could have spoken to Ted this week, I would have expressed my gratitude through happy tears. Much like him, I too experience physical reactions during stressful situations.
So what does a positive pep talk have to do with Ted’s fictional struggles? It’s a reminder of what we should be telling our children and ourselves:
It’s okay to not be okay right now.
Our collective mental health has been severely tested over the past year and a half, and our children are no exception. With the chaos brought on by COVID-19, remote learning, and social distancing, they’ve had little opportunity to connect with their peers. The emotional toll of navigating these challenges has left many feeling as burnt out as the adults around them.
What these kids need — and what we all need — is an abundance of unconditional love when they feel lost or overwhelmed. They deserve to hear that it’s perfectly acceptable to struggle, and that we can all move forward with hope and a belief in a brighter future inspired by Ted Lasso.
Lately, I’ve committed to embodying Coach Lasso’s optimistic philosophy in my everyday interactions with the kids I support. To those who need encouragement, I offer plenty of validation. I initiate silly happy dances whenever possible, share elbow bumps and air high fives, and make an effort to remember their names, even if they’re not in my class. I tell dad jokes to lighten the mood, remind them that making mistakes is part of learning — I’ve made plenty myself — and I sprinkle compliments and support like it’s my mission.
Because now more than ever, it truly is.
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Summary
The article reflects on how the character Ted Lasso inspires positivity and support in a classroom of second-graders. A personal story highlights the struggles of children with self-worth and emotional challenges, emphasizing the importance of unconditional love and encouragement during tough times. The author commits to fostering a supportive environment using Lasso’s optimistic philosophy.
Keyphrase: Ted Lasso inspiration for children
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