Raising children is a team effort – we all need a village around us.
- hello827251
- Mar 16
- 5 min read
Mother’s Day was celebrated yesterday and as I sat quietly with a cup of tea chatting to a friend after brunch with my son and shopping with my daughter, I started to reflect on the African Proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child” and I thought about what that means and how very true it is!
Later, in the day, as I sat quietly with all of my children - now teenagers (or nearly) - I thought about how lucky I am to have a village of people who have both guided and supported us, laughed and cried with us. I once heard the analogy that life is like a train journey – some people are at the start of the journey, some get on and then off through the journey, a few take the journey with you – and this made me thankful for all the people who had been, and who still are, in our village. Those who have had our backs throughout our journey so far and how that has shaped not only my life but my children’s too. From our family to those around us- the doctors and nurses during allergic reactions, the speech therapists, the nursery nurses (who we are still in contact with), the teachers who have become friends, sport friends, school friends, family friends and the friends who have become family. It really does take a village!
The phrase “It takes a village” hit home with me and has made me reflect on how we all need a village. Every single one of us needs a safe, healthy environment where we have the security to develop and flourish; to realise our strengths and reach for our hopes and dreams. As we move into spring (and the summer again) many people are looking towards changes in their families – children starting school, changing school, leaving school and starting their new adventures. It’s important at times of change that we take a moment to reflect on the importance of each member of our village and strength our village brings us.
As teachers, and parents, we all constantly try to ensure that all the children (and the families) around us are having the best opportunities and support that we can provide; but sometimes we exhaust ourselves in the process.
Dylan Williams said
“Every teacher needs to improve; not because they are not good enough, but because they can be even better.”
At Tickhub we all believe this is true – as professionals, as parents, as friends and as colleagues we all strive to improve ourselves, to never be complacent. But, we need to learn how to look after ourselves so we can be the best version of ourselves too!
Let’s take a moment to look at that village and those people we can turn to for support. Take a moment to think about your team at work – who do you turn to for support?
Whether you are a consultant, a trainer, a senior leader, teacher, support staff or a member of the wider school staff you need a village to support you to help you achieve your full potential, just as the children we work with do.
When Early Career Teachers begin their teaching journey, they have mentors and tutors to support them. They have guidance both for their teaching and learning development but for pastoral support too. Because teaching is hard – we want to get it right and there is never enough time!
Who else can teachers turn to for support? School pastoral teams are fantastic at supporting not just pupils and families but staff too. For some teachers it’s important to be in a larger school with a bigger year group team to work with as a network. If you are a member of the senior leadership are you taking a moment each day to reflect on your team. Small gestures, saying "well done" and "thank-you" really does go a long way!
We also must take a moment to remember that while many of us look like swans on top of the water (and workload) many are paddling frantically underwater. Recent research suggests that due to the cost of living crisis more families are asking schools for support and that many school staff are also struggling financially. The British Educational Journal highlights this with research showing that 20% of schools in the UK now have a school based foodbank. Some schools also have funds to support staff in need too. With 1 in 6 school leaders reporting that their staff are accessing school or local foodbanks. In mid 2023 a survey showed that head teachers were aware that 22% of their staff had or were considering accessing foodbanks.
It is also important when we are thinking about our work village that we learn that it is ok to sometimes say "no." If you feel that you cannot take on any more, or you need more support it’s so important that you say this – people can only help if they know you need it!
Now take a moment to think about your own ‘home village’ – Consider the different roles people play and why they are important. What can you do to ensure that you spend quality time with them? How do you support them?
Most teachers have, at some time, reflected on the fact that they have not always successfully achieved that magical work-life balance and that is because the job list never ends; but it’s about prioritising and organising to ensure teacher wellbeing, as well as children’s. Because, if the teacher is tired and cranky the children will not receive the best version of their teachers.
So, whether you are a member of school staff, a parent or a grandparent, remember to take some time for your own wellbeing and for your own village.
Our top wellbeing tips to ensure you thrive not just survive and come out successful and smiling are:
Prioritise and focus on your goals for the day, the week and the half term.
Create clear boundaries between work and home.
Set aside time to connect with your village at home and at work.
Celebrate small achievements – be proud of yourself.
Work collaboratively with your colleagues (it saves time and reduces workload!)
Ask for help.
Notice others around you.
Say no if you can’t take on any more.
Put down technology before bed and find a way to relax away from the screens.
Eat well, Sleep well and exercise.
Take your work emails off your phone.
And finally – remember you are not alone, be kind to yourself, be proud of yourself. It takes a village - so go ahead and lean on yours when you need to and support those in your village when they need to lean on you!
If you need further support the TickHub team offer coaching for ECTs, middle leaders and Senior leaders to support your personal career development. Please contact us for further information on hello@tickhub.co.uk
Useful Websites:
· Gov.uk – government information to support people and families – www.gov.uk
· The Trussell Trust - supporting peoples out of poverty and hunger https://www.trussell.org.uk/
· The Literacy Trust – teacher and school staff wellbeing www.literacytrust.org.uk
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