Did you know you are a superhero?

At Morton Michel, we’re passionate about supporting the wellbeing of those who care for and educate our children. In this inspiring guest blog, wellness expert Rowena Hicks, a former SENCO and creator of Five Minutes to Thrive, shares an honest and uplifting reflection on why early years professionals truly are everyday superheroes, and how small, mindful changes can help you thrive, not just survive.

Did you know you are a superhero?

Recently, I spoke with a group of early years practitioners, including childminders, SENCOs, and nursery teams, who told me they often feel they can’t ever do enough or be enough. Expectations are so high that many feel constantly overwhelmed.

Do you relate to that? Some days? Every day?

The amazing thing was that once we started to look at who they were, what they did every day, and the difference they made, something shifted. You could almost feel the energy change in the room.

The power of small moments

When I was a SENCO, I remember one morning arriving at work a little later than planned. I’d had an argument with one of my kids, another had refused breakfast, another was late for their bus. My fourth child, seeing I was close to losing it, gave me a big hug before heading to school.

By the time I arrived, arms full, brain buzzing, I was already frazzled. Someone held the door open for me. Someone else quietly pointed out that my jumper was on backwards. Another colleague asked if I’d finished the report they’d requested yesterday, while yet another started talking about a child they were concerned about as I walked up the stairs.

By 8:10am, I’d already had a mix of positive and negative interactions. When I reflected, the negatives outweighed the positives and that wasn’t a good start to the day.

Research shows that unless we have around five positive interactions for every negative one, we can’t reach a state of flow or truly flourish.

Choosing to reset

So, what did I do? Because I knew the research, I left the work on my desk and walked around the classrooms asking staff how they were – not their workload or their class, but them: their families, their health, their pets, their house moves.

Guess what? Because those connections brought me joy, and they enjoyed being asked, my ratio quickly moved into the positive. Only then was I ready to be in flow and start my day well.

So, what action can you take to keep your balance healthy?

What has your ratio been today at home or at work? It’s worth noticing because to be the superhero for the children you teach and support, you need energy, enthusiasm and joy. This is one small step towards getting there.

You make a difference – every single day

You make a difference – every single day

How many smiles have you shared, games you’ve played, skills you’ve taught, or important conversations you’ve been part of?

You are the safe space for each child. You teach life skills that they may not learn elsewhere.

So yes, you are a superhero!

The key is simply to notice each time you make a difference.

Finding your place on the to-do list

We know that 74% of early years educators feel regularly stressed. Stress drains creativity, energy, and joy so we have to take action.

If you agree this isn’t okay, and accept that while some things can’t change, you can still make positive changes, are you ready to start? It might feel uncomfortable, but it’s worth it – for yourself, your team, your pupils, and your family.

Let me share another story.

One Friday, I came home from work (a little late, as usual) to find my kids rushing around packing for a holiday. One of them shouted across the room at me that I’d forgotten to cut their hair asking if we have time to cut it quickly before they left. I dumped my bags down, grabbed the clippers, plugged them in, and started shaving from front to back, only to realise I’d forgotten to attach the number 4 attachment.

There it was, a bald stripe across their head.

Oh no. Do I cry? Laugh? Throw a tantrum? It was just one more thing at the end of a long, tough week.

I felt awful and guilty that in my haste, I hadn’t prioritised what mattered most – my own children. Once again, work had taken the best of my time and energy, and they’d got what was left over.

Scheduling your priorities

Can I ask you something?

Where do you come on your to-do list? Who or what is at the top?

Stephen Covey said,

“The key is not to prioritise what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.”

Think about where your best energy, enthusiasm, and joy go each day.

You have great value just being you. You don’t have to prove to anyone that you’re good enough. But if you can accept that, take a look at your day – are your decisions coming from a place of overwhelm or self-worth?

Most of us experience imposter syndrome at some point but awareness is the first step.

If I looked at your calendar this week, could I see something that shows you are high up on your own priority list? And something else that shows who or what else really matters to you?

You might find some surprises. You might need to make adjustments. They might feel uncomfortable but when we set boundaries, manage expectations, and put first what truly matters, we begin to thrive.

That’s when we become the best version of ourselves, with more energy, focus, and joy.

You really are a superhero

Working with children means giving out empathy, kindness, joy, thoughtfulness, and encouragement every day. Don’t underestimate the gift you are to those around you.

Does that make you a superhero?

I think so!

We’ve discovered that just 5 minutes a week can make a healthier and happier team. You can find out more here! 

To find out more about Rowena Hicks, you can visit her website here.