Little Johnny kept disrupting his third grade class by regularly letting out loud farts. His teacher kept him after school. When she insisted on knowing why he exhibited such offensive behavior

Over the next few minutes, Mrs. Thompson gently probed Johnny for more information, trying to get to the root of his problem. As they talked, Johnny began to open up about his home life – how his parents were always arguing, how he often felt lonely and ignored.

Mrs. Thompson listened intently, her heart breaking for the little boy sitting before her. She realized that Johnny’s disruptive behavior might be his way of seeking attention, a cry for help in a situation where he felt powerless.

“Johnny,” Mrs. Thompson said softly, “I want you to know that you can always talk to me if something is bothering you. You’re not alone, okay?”

Johnny nodded, feeling a glimmer of hope for the first time in weeks. He knew that he could trust Mrs. Thompson, that she genuinely cared about him.