A few weeks ago, I witnessed a seven-year-old slump down in despair on a patch of grass outside my classroom. This child had been pulled aside by their teacher after an emotional outburst at recess where they threw their sweatshirt during a disagreement. I’ve seen this child struggle with emotional regulation and disruptions in class before. When I knelt down to speak with them, they expressed, “I’m a terrible person, and no one likes me.”
Those words hit me hard. How could a second grader, with so much life ahead, feel so defeated? I knew that no amount of typical pep talks might brighten this child’s spirits, but I was determined to try. “You’re amazing,” I replied, my enthusiasm genuine.
The surprise on their face signaled they didn’t expect a compliment in that moment. But I’m not your average educational assistant; I often channel my inner Ted Lasso, embracing a spirit of unwavering optimism with these young ones. “You show so much thoughtfulness in class, always putting everyone’s name back on the board after they leave for the bathroom,” I pointed out sincerely. “You’re a good kid going through a rough patch, and that’s completely okay. We all have those moments. Let’s take a minute and walk back to class together.”
And so we did.
Though I had only known this student for a short time, I quickly recognized that they weren’t the only one struggling with self-love. I’ve had heartfelt conversations with many students this year, and the overall morale among those who haven’t easily adapted to school life is quite low.
As I connect with these children, I often wonder what Ted Lasso would say if he were here to guide me. “I believe in hope. I believe in BELIEVE,” he would cheerfully whisper in my ear, his Southern drawl wrapping around the words. “To me, success isn’t about wins and losses; it’s about helping these young folks become their best selves on and off the field.” Or maybe he would say, “I sure do love a locker room. It smells like potential.”
If you haven’t yet immersed yourself in Apple TV+’s Emmy-winning series that recently debuted its second season, this is your nudge to start watching. I’ve taken countless lessons from Ted Lasso to assist my classroom of second-graders this year. Who would’ve thought that a show about a soccer coach with little knowledge of the sport would provide such inspiration? Jason Sudeikis’s portrayal of kindness and support is precisely what we need in today’s world.
On that particular day with the downcast child, I was especially thankful for a storyline in the second season where Ted, a beloved character, faces trauma and the physical symptoms that accompany it—mirroring my own experiences with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
If I could speak directly to Ted, I’d express my gratitude through happy tears. Like him, I experience tremors during stressful moments.
So what does a child-focused pep talk have to do with a fictional coach’s struggles with trauma? It reinforces a vital message we need to share with ourselves and our children: It’s okay not to be okay right now.
The truth is, the mental health of our nation has been severely tested over the past year and a half, affecting our kids as well. After navigating through COVID-19, remote learning, mask mandates, and social distancing, many children haven’t had a real chance to connect with their peers until now. The mental toll of this chaotic phase has left many of them feeling just as exhausted as the adults around them.
What these kids need right now—what we all need—is unconditional love when we feel lost or act out. They need reminders that it’s perfectly acceptable to struggle, and we will move forward together, inspired by hope and the belief that we can overcome challenges.
These days, I’m committed to embodying Coach Lasso’s optimistic outlook as I support my students. For those who need affirmation, I am there to provide it in abundance. I initiate silly happy dances whenever possible, offer elbow bumps and air high fives, and try to remember as many names as I can, even if I don’t directly work with those students. I tell dad jokes to lighten the mood and reassure them that it’s okay to make mistakes—because even grown-ups mess up!
In these trying times, it’s more important than ever to spread kindness and encouragement.
For more insights into the journey of parenting and support, check out this other blog post that embodies some of these principles. If you’re looking for more guidance on home insemination, Cryobaby is a trusted resource. Additionally, for information on pregnancy and related health topics, visit the World Health Organization.
Summary
The article reflects on how the character Ted Lasso has inspired an educator to uplift second-graders struggling with self-worth and emotional regulation. By channeling optimism and kindness, the author emphasizes the importance of supporting children during challenging times, reminding them that it’s okay not to be okay.
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