When Everything Feels Like Too Much: Hidden Habits That Sabotage Your Teaching
Some days, no matter how much you plan or prepare, everything just goes sideways. The children are climbing the shelves, your patience is wearing thin, and nothing—nothing—seems to work. It’s frustrating. It’s exhausting. And it can leave you wondering if you’re doing something wrong.
But what if part of the struggle isn’t just the children or the environment—but some of the habits we unconsciously bring with us into the classroom? In this honest and supportive session, we’re slowing down to look at what might be getting in your way beneath the surface—things like leadership styles that don’t quite fit, old patterns from our own childhood, or subtle habits like over-explaining or trying to control every moment.
Together, we’ll explore how to shift away from overwhelm and into a calmer, more grounded way of showing up for the children—and for yourself. We’ll talk about the difference between adult-centered and child-centered leadership, how our early life experiences shape the way we respond in stressful moments, and how to gently let go of self-sabotaging habits that no longer serve you.
This session is about helping you find more ease, more clarity, and more confidence—without needing to be perfect. If you’ve ever felt stuck or wondered why things feel harder than they should, you are so not alone. Let’s talk about what’s really going on—and how to move forward with more peace and purpose in your work.
In this video
Some days the children are climbing the shelves and nothing seems to work. Amy Williams looks at habits we carry from our own childhood, like talking too much or reaching for harsh words, in a talk for teachers and parents of young children. Questions include a 4-year-old who suddenly wants to be fed again, one who swears and spits, and three disruptive 6- to 9-year-olds in one class. There's also a part on helping a colleague who is struggling.
Chapters
- 0:00 Meet Amy Williams and why we echo the adults who raised us
- 6:05 Four self-sabotages: talking too much, stalling, harsh words
- 12:49 Why connecting at neutral times calms difficult behavior
- 18:23 Wings and ears: calming your body when you're upset
- 22:41 Helping a colleague: I notice, I wonder, and a square squad
- 29:19 Unmet needs, lagging skills and checking your expectations
- 34:15 Kids with big energy: a jumping rug and heavy work to do
- 41:59 When a 4-year-old suddenly wants to be fed again
- 44:40 A 4-year-old who swears and spits: talk openly about words
- 53:02 When a child acts aggressively: is it a clumsy bid to play
- 56:13 When a child could get hurt: I'm here to keep you safe
- 59:31 A jealous child settling in: connect more at neutral times
- 1:02:40 Welcome, neutral and bothersome behavior explained
- 1:05:42 Three disruptive 6- to 9-year-olds: talk to each privately
