Early in our marriage, Cristy and I established a house rule that has saved us from a world of trouble: “We do not discuss anything of consequence after 8:00 p.m.” This was learned the hard way that the best decisions are made when minds are fresh, stomachs are full, and the sun is up. When the day grows long and we are tired, our perspective can shift, making small hills look like unscalable mountains.
As a school leader, I keep this front of mind every day. We are responsible for your most precious gift, your children. I know that when your child is hurting, your love for them is so fierce that it can override everything else. I feel that same weight. We’ve all been there, breathless, desperate, and feeling profoundly alone while facing a challenge that feels too big to handle. In those moments, the world feels small, and the weight of it feels far too heavy.
UNDERSTANDING THE “LITTLE WHILE PLACE”
With over 72,000 students in Conroe ISD, difficult seasons are inevitable. Sometimes they stem from illness; other times, they arise from the heavy clouds of sadness or anger that lead our students to make choices they wouldn’t otherwise make.
I have spent a long time searching my heart, trying to understand why our children sometimes seek permanent solutions to problems that are, in reality, temporary. I found the most profound answer from a dear friend and former pastor. He explained that we often find ourselves in what he calls a “little while place.” These are seasons of life that feel daunting and endless. When our children are in these places, they often cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel. To a teenager, a breakup, a failing grade, or not making a team isn’t just a setback, it feels like the end of their world. In these "little while places," isolation takes root.
OUR MOST IMPORTANT MISSION IS TO WALK BESIDE OUR CHILDREN IN THESE MOMENTS, HELPING THEM RECOGNIZE THAT WHILE THE PAIN IS VERY REAL, IT IS ALSO TEMPORARY AND THEY ARE LOVED.
YOU ARE NEVER ALONE IN THIS FAMILY
We all visit these places from time to time. But our goal in Conroe ISD is to ensure that no child ever has to stay there alone.
My heart grows heavy when I think of a student struggling in silence, feeling out of options despite being surrounded by a community that loves them. I’ve never been a "traditional" superintendent. To me, this is personal. We view Conroe ISD as a family, and we truly care for your children as if they were our own. Whether it’s a teacher, a counselor, a principal, or even me, we are here to guide them back to the light.
BEING THEIR SAFE HARBOR
Listen Without Fixing: Sometimes, kids just need to be heard. Let them sit in their feelings without immediately trying to "solve" the problem. Your quiet presence is the loudest form of love.
Validate the Weight: Avoid saying "it’s not a big deal." To them, it is the only deal. Validate that it’s hard, and then remind them that they are strong enough to get through it because you are right there with them.
Watch for the Shift: Look for changes in sleep, appetite, or a sudden withdrawal from things they used to love. These are often the first whispers of a "little while place."
Ask Directly: Don’t be afraid to ask the hard questions: "Are you feeling like you want to give up?" Open, honest communication creates a safe harbor.
If you feel your child is entering a "little while place," here is how you can help them navigate back to solid ground:
RESOURCES FOR OUR KIDS AND COMMUNITY
If you or your student needs help right now, please reach out. There is no shame in seeking a hand to hold in the dark.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (Available 24/7)
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Conroe ISD School Counseling Services: [click here]
My hope and my prayer is that every student in our Conroe ISD family feels the warmth of hope and unconditional love. We want them to navigate life with the emotional coping skills and the deep-seated knowledge that they are cherished beyond measure.
We love your kids, and we are profoundly grateful that you trust us with their hearts every single day.