Some years in the classroom just feel harder than others. This one’s for the teachers who’ve cried in the car, vented to their partner, or counted down the minutes until dismissal. You're not alone and there are ways to feel like yourself again.

In this deeply personal episode, I’m answering a heartfelt question from a kindergarten teacher who asked: “How do you keep showing up every day when one student’s behavior is draining your energy?”

This episode isn’t just about burnout - it’s about what it feels like to be a teacher who cares deeply, even when it’s hard… and what to do when you feel like you’re at your limit.

In this episode I share:

• The emotional weight of wanting to help a student who needs more support than you can give
• Why your brain feels stuck in survival mode and how to shift it
• The importance of setting boundaries while still showing up with love
• What to say to yourself when you feel like quitting
• How I “quit the day” (without quitting the job) and reset my energy
• How to reconnect with the joy of teaching when one student is taking up all your headspace
• Why focusing on relationships with all students can help you feel grounded again

Related Episodes:

• De-Escalation Strategies to Stay Calm and In Control During Emotional Outbursts with Sara Yessenow ~ Ep. 64
• How to Teach Emotional Intelligence in Kindergarten ~ Ep. 108
• Kindergarten Case Study: Supporting Students With Big Emotions ~ Ep. 109

Resources:

• Join the FREE 5-Day Social Emotional Learning Challenge
• Coaching
• Social Emotional Learning Year-Long Kindergarten Curriculum Bundle: 11 SEL Units

Connect with Zeba:

• Instagram - @kindergartencafe
• Facebook - @kindergartencafe
• Website - www.kindergartencafe.org
• Tik Tok - @kindergartencafe

SEL Challenge

Join the FREE 5-Day Social Emotional Learning Challenge: Planting Seeds for Classroom Calm https://www.kindergartencafe.org/challenge/