Religious ed student

[babygirl6152]

I teach Religious Ed to 25 5th graders.

At the beginning of class we all pray the Come Holy Spirit Prayer and then go round in a circle and thank God for something, then go round once again and offer petitions.

Last night this usually happy little man was solemn the entire hour which in itself was unusual, asked us to pray for his parents- they are having trouble- I automatically assume it is marital trouble. It is obvious the boy is at least a little affected since his mood is so changed.

How would you have handled this? I have thought about just handing the boy my number and tell mom she can call me if she wants someone to chat with- then would she be upset that he “aired their dirty laundry” in class? Maybe just go up to her next week and ask “how’s it going?”/general way- she will probably just say FINE as we all do/ I went thru a painful divorce 10 years ago that I did not want and I would have loved to have had a devout woman to chat with/

Should I just pray for the Holy Spirit to send someone to her if she wants a friend?
Should I mention it to the director and ask her advice? Maybe she knows the mom well… This is a lovely little family although I am not close to them I see them in Mass and have noticed the mother looks “hollow” lately.

Please advise.

 

[Joannm]

Perhaps you could just tell the mom that her son has been a bit sad or withdrawn in class and you were concerned. That way you are not telling anything the child said in class but just commeting on his demeanor. Then if mom wants to talk about it you have given her an opening.

 

[passus]

I think your concern is very valid and it’s wonderful that you are so perceptive to your students’ behaviors because sometimes, that’s the kind of stuff that turns elementary school teachers into life savers.

However, you say that you assumed that it was marital trouble, but that your student didn’t clarify much more than that. Because this is based on an assumption rather than something that you know for sure, I wouldn’t make any bold decisions to act without first knowing a little more about what’s going on.

If you want to pursue the issue, I think that for the sake of the child, you should not subject him to any line of interrogation but, like you said, approach your director of religious education if you believe that you can place your confidence in her. Ask her opinion and advice on the matter before moving any further.

One of my concerns would be that you might be over-stepping the boundaries of what’s permitted for catechists or that there may be a protocol for dealing with situations like these–or certain situations in which events are suspected. Seeking the DRE’s advice covers your back, so to speak, and keeps you from doing something you’re maybe not supposed to (like handing off your personal phone number) and thus complicating the situation unnecessarily.

Of course, prayers always work and we all can use them! You might prayer not only to the Holy Spirit for His assistance, but to the Holy Family for their intercession in this matter.

God bless.

 

[Trishie]

Perhaps you could just tell the mom that her son has been a bit sad or withdrawn in class and you were concerned. That way you are not telling anything the child said in class but just commeting on his demeanor. Then if mom wants to talk about it you have given her an opening.

Apart from this you can’t do anything but to pray, and also, without being too obvious, being kindlly with the little boy…which you do anyway.

Passus named several good points…