We all have opinions on just about everything we do.  Daily, we make judgments that are not necessarily based on facts.  The key is how we use those opinions. 

There are many positive ways we can use opinions.  We can compliment someone on their style of clothing, the design of their home, their work ethic, their knowledge or expertise, etc.  We use opinions to formulate what team we are going to join, what school we choose, and countless other decisions we make.  We take those opinions along with facts and statistics we have gathered and make a decision. 

Unfortunately, we can also be very hurtful with our opinions.  It is not always easy to determine how hurtful our opinions can be to someone.  Often we hurt each other without even realizing it.  Other times people or things are negatively affected by opinions when not even present. 

When my children started school I noticed that parents would ask, “Has anyone had Mr. Bell and is he a good teacher?”  I would listen to or read the responses and think about how the opinions related to my child.  Often I would pray that no negative treads would appear on social media.

Sometimes I wonder how opinions can be so different.  I hear someone speaking about one of their favorite teachers and yet that same teacher was one that was a difficult fit for my child.

As I listened to parents’ opinions about their child’s teacher, it was very apparent to me that some amazing children get put into classrooms with teachers who don’t understand them.  That does not mean that the teacher is not good or that the child is unteachable. 

Every once in a while you have that amazing teacher who can adapt and respond to most children.  However, even great teachers have a few children that don’t connect with their teaching style.  That does not mean it is a bad teacher, but maybe a poor match for that particular student. 

What I believe is that there are many different types of children and each child responds differently to each teacher.  Our opinions, in this case regarding the teacher, could be very hurtful to both the teacher and the success of the child with the teacher.  I have had teachers in my life who have not been a good fit for me, but most have been excellent.  I am very careful to express my opinions with, “For me, it was (or was not) a great fit.”

I chose to use teachers as an example because we all have had numerous teachers in our lives. Sharing opinions, both positive and negative, is something that happens daily.  I work at keeping perspective on what is opinion and what is my experience.  I also work very hard at removing myself from conversations when opinions turn into gossip. 

Using good judgment when listening to opinions is a must.  I pray that I form my own opinions based on my own experiences.  I also pray that when I voice my opinions I do so in a manner that is kind and constructive.  I listen to other people’s opinions, but I use those perspectives in a way that is constructive for me and my family. 

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