I’m not sure if the occurrence is as evident elsewhere, but at least in central Texas, the weather has been crazy. Temperatures jump from highs to lows, with the sun shining one minute, and wind and hail warnings flashing across our screens the next. And from what I can tell, the extreme weather conditions are accompanying extreme behaviors, none of which are limited to the school setting. Crazy is everywhere.

Accordingly, it’s a good time for us to practice an important skill we teach children: resisting peer pressure – or to put another way, using our own brains to make our own choices. When conflict arises, my hope is that children use a positive internal compass to guide their actions rather than looking toward others to take their behavioral cues.

This isn’t easy. When individuals around us stir up the crazy, it’s hard to resist assimilation and not get caught up in the hurricane of both emotions and inappropriate behaviors. However, if we want children to master the skill of resisting peer pressure, we must model it as adults.

During this time of crazy weather, spring fever, sensationalized drama, conflicting beliefs, and other concerns, step away and let your internal compass be your guide. Don’t jump into the tornado around you. Be the calm in the storm – the grounding force others look to for stabilization. As I have said on many occasions – be it in a school, family, or community, I believe it only takes one person to change the climate. Step up and be that person.