I’ve worked with kids for many years, and I’ve found that it’s important to always maintain composure. Emotional escalation of any kind can instantly turn smoldering schoolboys into volcanic vermin. However, a calm and rational approach can defuse these conflicts; pretty soon everyone has already forgotten what was so upsetting and we’re on to the next adventure!

I feel like I’m pretty decent at Damage Control in the moment, and most “conflicts” are comically inconsequential. But in situations where I’ve been disrespected, lied to, maligned, and betrayed, I have some pretty Big Feelings and a memory that just won’t allow me to forget. So as a wounded artist, I use my canvas for catharsis; I often process pain through poetry, parables, and prayer.

And as my daughter was rummaging through old boxes of some stuff I wrote when I was in Elementary School, we discovered that I’ve always processed my frustrations via writing rather than letting it affect my outward behavior.

But in this case, I’m glad I didn’t use some sort of allegory to describe the pencil-chewing desk-shaking eraser-stealing cheater pants who apparently sat next to me in 2nd grade! 7 year-old Josh purged his angst by way of literal prose and accompanying pictures. Pretty hilarious