Problem Solver

 I remember a Peanuts comic strip in which Linus wrote a story about loosening his big sister Lucy's ears to help the pain in her head subside. This is precisely the kind of thought Linus was capable. In spite of the near daily abuse, he was constantly trying to break through the inherent crabbiness of his sibling to try and improve their relationship. For a pretty stagnant cartoon age of eight, Linus is wise far beyond those years. 

Every so often I find myself wishing that we had a Linus at our school. The theological discussions regarding his rather explicit Christian beliefs tied to those of the Great Pumpkin would be an endless source of entertainment. And it would be awesome if we could get some of that ear-loosening kind of suggestion coming from eight year olds. 

So much of the trouble that comes to an elementary school is recycled. You don't have to dig very far to find the source of kids' trouble. It rarely comes from something at school. Oh, sure, there are most definitely inciting moments that ignite trouble. Like wind blowing on embers of a fire, it only takes a stiff breeze to get the inferno going. All the fear and confusion that lives in the hearts and minds of these kids who may not know where their next meal is coming from or where mom is and when she's getting home. When somebody cuts these kids in line, it can be the last straw in a very large pile of straws. 

Loosening everyone's ears would be a great way to take everything down a notch. On those afternoons when I am sitting out front with those students whose caretakers are running a little late to pick them up, I spend a good deal of time reassuring them that mom and dad wouldn't forget them. And I want to believe this with all my heart. At the same time, I have sat out front and waited for hours for mom, dad, sister, uncle, brother, auntie, boyfriend to show up to take them home. 

Or someplace safe. 

Meanwhile, I attempt to channel the spirit of Linus Van Pelt. I want to bring the calm assurance of someone who believes that security can be found in a blanket, and that he can lower somebody's stress level by properly aligning the flaps on the side of someone's head. 

Did I mention that Linus is a middle child?  Me too.