Productive Struggle
After we reemerged from the COVID-19 pandemic, District 109, along with the other public entities in our community, began to notice a similar pattern. Children today tend to be more stressed, display increased amounts of anxiety, hesitancy when trying anything new, and have a fear of failing to the point where there is no space for perseverance. The growing concerns were quiet, but not unheard.
In January 2024, the District partnered with experts within our community to facilitate conversations about these topics at length and create an open dialogue for families. This included District 109's Director of Safety and Security, both Deerfield Police and Fire departments, Be Smart (an organization focused on proper gun storage), and Linking Efforts Against Drugs (LEAD) Illinois. This event sparked long-term conversations within our community and opened the door to bringing in more topics.
Related Initiatives
Let Grow
As part of our initiative to foster more childhood independence within our community, we have adopted the Let Grow Project. This organization is leading the movement for childhood independence by removing the belief that children are fragile and instead they are built to withstand challenges and persist through productive struggle.
Learn More About the Let Grow Movement
Chasing Childhood
In October 2024, District 109 held a public screening of the documentary, Chasing Childhood. It explores how modern parenting and societal pressures have drastically reduced children's freedom to play, explore, and develop independence. It examines the rise of overscheduling, academic stress, and parental control, questioning the long-term effects on children's mental health, resilience, and overall well-being. Through expert insights and real-life stories, the film advocates for a shift toward a more balanced approach—one that encourages unstructured play, autonomy, and the joys of childhood.