About the book

The kids are the least of our worries. Seriously. If that sounds blasphemous in a book for concerned parents and educators (and anyone, really, who worries about “kids these days”), then I am so glad you’re here. If you own a kid, work with a kid, or love a kid, you will find something inspiring in these pages. Dare I say game-changing.

These words were born from the hundreds of stories of kids, their families, and their support systems I was lucky to meet as I worked across Canada and the USA. Regardless of who I met or where I met them, the message was always the same: our kids are okay ONLY if those of us holding them are okay.

Kids These Days: A Game Plan For (Re)Connecting with Those We Teach, Lead, & LovePlay Video

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During the developmental years, schools—and educators—are the most significant connection point to most every child on this continent. But are the educators okay? I believe that most of the great educators want to make a difference. Many tell me, however, that they are finding it more and more difficult “these days” to love what they do. I think it’s time we did a better job of looking after them. First. Plain and simple.

This book is for the educators: our teachers, bus drivers, administrators, educational assistants, librarians, administrative assistants, and custodians. And anyone who leads, loves, and supports them. If that’s you, I am so grateful you are here.

Connecting with Kids These Days:

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Download the audiobook

Read by Jody and just as real as you expect her to be! And features a bonus chapter only available in the audiobook.

Listen to a sample, or download your own copy here.

Add your book review on goodreads!

“

Teachers These Days is FILLED with heartfelt happies and heartbreaking hurts. I connect with the theory-into-practice way that it is set up and I appreciated the voices of the others in their raw, poignant stories.

Barbara Gruener,Counsellor & Character Coach
“

Oh, Sweet Mother. THIS. THIS IS WHAT TEACHERS NEED RIGHT NOW. TO READ THESE WORDS. Thank you. We love the stories. It honours the work and experience of educators while providing a familiar context to all teachers. The section on grief is captivating and visceral and beautiful. Thank you, both, so much for sharing this work, your words and your wisdom.

Meghan Reist & Shelley SmithVice Principals
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When I first heard about Dr. Jody Carrington's new book, Kids These Days, I couldn't wait to read it. Once I opened the cover to begin, I couldn't stop reading this heartfelt informed celebration of children and those who love them. This beautiful book is wrapped in deep regard for children and all of those who love and care for them. As an educator, I believe that this book must be in the hands of all teachers. Written with such respect for our profession, Jody offers the research and tools that will help us to translate HOPE into action that will honor our children.

Mary C. Howard
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Without a doubt the best book a teacher can read. I enjoyed every minute of this book and I am suggesting it to every teacher I know. This author recognizes what it means to have kids in our classrooms every day and the struggles and exhaustion we face. I love that she says the work we do is "holy work" because indeed teachers matter and they have a huge impact. Thank you Dr Carrington for writing this book. I shook my head in agreement through EVERY passage. I highly recommend this book to all teachers, parents and caregivers of children

Rebecca Hope