I hadn't thought about that for my adult students, and now that I do think about it, I don't know why I didn't. Everybody loves party favors!

You've raised a serious need, Lydia. It's wonderful when students openly appreciate our efforts and when we can see positive results in our students' progress. But we do need some strategies for keeping ourselves going when those external validations of our own worth aren't in evidence.

One idea is to ask students two questions: 

1.  What am I doing that is particularly helpful to you? (This assumes there is indeed something positive going on, and it may turn up ways you contribute to the student's well-being that you were completely unaware of.)

2.  What could I do to make your… >>>

I'd like to recommend the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) as an excellent tool for reducing emotional (and also sometimes physical) stress. EFT is a remarkably effective tool for reducing emotional anxiety to a more manageable level so that we can deal more effectively with the troubling situation. Based on meridian therapy (like accupressure and shiatsu), this technique is easily learned and easily used by anyone. It's also quick to apply and unobtrusive. For more information, including specific instruction on how to use EFT, I refer you to Gary Craig's website, GaryThink.com. What I particularly appreciate about Gary is his willingness… >>>