On January 19, 2024, after months of unsettled educator contract negotiations with the Newton School Committee, the Newton Teachers Association announced a strike. The sudden shut down of schools presents challenges for students, families, and the community, and parents may struggle with how to explain what’s happening to their children. Here, we offer guidance for having conversations with young people about the situation.
- Choose the Right Time and Place: Find a quiet and comfortable space where you can have an undisturbed conversation. Ensure that the timing is appropriate, and your child and you are in a calm state. Do not push your child to talk if they do not want to or are not interested. Consider easing into conversation while engaging with your child in a preferred activity (e.g., a card or board game). This could help them relax and open up.
- Be Honest, Yet Simple: Present the information in a straightforward and simplified manner. Explain that teachers are taking a break from work to ask for certain things they believe will make schools better. Reassure them that the strike is not because of anything they did, and that their teachers and all the school staff care about them very much. Tell them that everyone in their schools is trying to figure out how to get schools open again fast. For older children or adolescents who seek more detail, consider whether providing them with reading materials like news articles might be helpful. Resources that present basic facts in a neutral tone are ideal as a foundation for discussion. Stay available to answer clarifying questions as they read.
- Use Age-Appropriate Language: If you have more than one child, consider whether speaking with each separately may make sense, given their ages and/or developmental understanding. Tailor your language to each child’s age level. Avoid using complex terms or getting into intricate details. Provide a basic understanding of the situation without overwhelming them with unnecessary information. Follow their lead in offering just enough information for that moment.
- Express Empathy: Acknowledge any feelings they may have – whether confusion, worry, or frustration. Let them know it’s okay to feel this way, and that it’s also okay if their feelings are mixed or changing. Encourage them to share their thoughts or concerns with you as they come up. Expect that some younger children may feel excited initially to have a break from school, which is developmentally appropriate. Allow them space to experience this time in their own way.
- Anticipate Possible Memories of Pandemic School Closure: Depending on the age of a child, a sudden closing of school may elicit emotions similar to those experienced during the pandemic, including fear and sadness. Validate all feelings they share, and listen closely if they choose to talk about their recollections. Reassure them that what’s happening right now is very different because it was a decision made by adults to improve school conditions, not to keep kids safe from illness.
- Encourage Questions: Invite them to ask questions and provide honest answers. This helps foster an open line of communication and ensures they feel comfortable expressing their thoughts. If you don’t know the answers, tell them you will find out and circle back at an appropriate moment.
- Stay Calm and Reassuring: Children often take cues from adults, so maintaining a calm and reassuring demeanor is crucial. It is expected and normal for parents to experience a range of emotions during this time, but it is important to focus on modeling self-regulation strategies, such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and positive self-talk. Remind them that despite the changes, they are still cared for and will continue learning in a positive environment.
- Emphasize the Positive: Highlight the positive aspects of the situation, such as the teachers advocating for better resources, improved classrooms, and a more supportive learning environment. Tell them that it’s healthy for adults to work together to find the best solutions for kids, but this can sometimes take a while. Reassure them that the goal is to make their school experience even better.
- Highlight the Temporary Nature: Emphasize that the strike is temporary – in terms of days, not months or years, and that schools will open once an agreement is reached. Reinforce the idea that everyone is working very hard towards making things better for the students.
- Let Them Know They Won’t Lose Learning Time: Inform them that once the strike is over, the missed school days will be made up. If a child asks, tell them that there is no pressure to “keep up” while schools are closed and that teachers will have a plan for them to stay on track once everyone returns. Allow children to engage in fun, pleasant activities and to connect with friends, as possible.
- Be Aware of Little Ears: Be mindful of having adult-level conversations in the presence of children. Always assume they can hear you, even if they appear distracted by an activity. It is natural for children to listen but they may misinterpret a piece of information or have a reaction that isn’t readily present.
- Follow Up and Be Present: Check in with your child regularly, especially if the strike extends. Encourage them to share their feelings and thoughts, and address any concerns they may have as the situation develops. Be aware that they may hear information from friends or others, and let them know that you are there to clear up any confusion with them. Be honest with your child if they ask a question you do not know the answer to. Let them know that you will find answers for them as soon as possible.
Navigating conversations about teacher strikes with kids requires sensitivity and patience. By approaching the topic with care and providing age-appropriate information, you can help them understand the situation while maintaining a sense of security and support.
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About the Authors
Jenny Klein-Sosa, Ph.D., Clinical Child Psychologist, Special Education Advocate, serves in multiple special education advocacy roles for local and statewide nonprofit organizations and advisory boards. She has delivered psychological treatment and assessment services to children and adolescents in a variety of clinical settings, and she is also a former education policy analyst.
Ali Shwartz, Ed.M., Mental Health Specialist, is a Mental Health Specialist at Gateways: Access to Jewish Education. She has previously served as a school psychologist in both the public and private sectors, providing comprehensive mental health supports to students and families.