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SEL for Parents - Meigs Memos -
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"Lots of great music will fill the air during Middle Tennessee summer concerts in May, June, July and August of 2022. Live music’s a great way to connect with others, especially your own kids!" Read the article below and mark your calendars for some fun family summer concerts. Make sure to bookmark the page and check back in because Nashville Parent will be adding events and updating the page throughout the summer.
SEL for Parents - Meigs Memos -
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"There are many ways parents can encourage emotionally intelligent behavior in their children. Check out [the] guide [below] to resources for learning more about character development."
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"It’s typically between the ages of nine and twelve that our cute, cuddly little children, once so willing to climb into our laps and share their secrets, suddenly want little or nothing to do with us. A child in preadolescence is not the same person they were just a year or two ago. They have changed—physically, cognitively, emotionally, and socially. They’re developing new independence and may even want to see how far they can push limits set by parents. What they may not know is that they need you as much as ever, because a strong parent-child relationship now can set the stage for a much less turbulent adolescence. But it won’t be easy, because you as a parent need to respect your child’s need for greater autonomy in order to forge a successful relationship with this “updated” version of your kid." Read the article below for parenting tips to help you keep the channels of communication open between you and your pre-teen—and have a smoother transition into the teen years.
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"Can joy be cultivated? And, if so, can we teach our kids how to be more joyful in their lives? The answer to both of these questions is yes, but it takes knowing what kinds of practices bring true happiness—and not just momentary pleasure—to your life. Once you’ve mastered that, it’s not too hard to introduce those practices to kids in a way that they can understand and appreciate." Read the article below for additional information.
SEL for Parents - Meigs Memos -
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"You may not feel like you have much influence on your child these days, but teens’ behavior is highly correlated with the strength of their bonds with their parents. Good relationships between teenagers and their parents, as rated by both, are positively correlated with school success and general happiness as rated by the teen, and also by those around her. By contrast, weak or conflictual parent/teen relationships are correlated with early sexual activity, experimentation with drugs and alcohol, the teen's involvement in violence (as either perpetrator or victim), and suicide. How do you parent this blossoming person who sometimes seems to be becoming a stranger?" Read the article below for additional information.
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"Whether it’s a desire for straight As, flawless skin, or athletic stardom, the quest to stand out as “the best” often drives teens to be relentlessly hard on themselves, which can lead to feelings of unworthiness and depression. Yet knowing that there is a way out—that they don’t have to relentlessly beat themselves up in order to be successful and happy—can be enormously relieving for teens." Read the article below for additional information.
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"No matter what your personal feelings on high-stakes testing are, there is no escaping the reality that these assessments will be an important part of your child’s academic experience. And, everyone wants to see their student experience success in the classroom. So, what’s the best way to help your child prepare for high-stakes tests—and keep a healthy mindset while doing so?" The article below contains eight simple tips for parents to help your student perform his or her best on testing days.
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"No matter what your personal feelings on high-stakes testing are, there is no escaping the reality that these assessments will be an important part of your child’s academic experience. And, everyone wants to see their student experience success in the classroom. So, what’s the best way to help your child prepare for high-stakes tests—and keep a healthy mindset while doing so?" The article below contains eight simple tips for parents to help your student perform his or her best on testing days.
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"So, you’re the parent or caregiver of a middle schooler. Welcome to the club! This can be one of the most challenging parenting tests you’ve faced so far. While your child is testing boundaries and limits, it may feel like what’s really being tested is your patience. Understanding what’s going on with your middle schooler can go a long way toward fostering healthy relationships and creating some peace in your home." Read the article below for some pointers to help you navigate the challenging middle-school years.
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"Though teenagers can be hard to parent, the good news is that parenting teenagers is, in many ways, a lot easier than raising little kids. For this to be the case, however, our parenting needs to shift." Read the article below for three big shifts that parents of teenagers need to make to survive their kids’ adolescence.
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"You may not feel like you have much influence on your child these days, but teens’ behavior is highly correlated with the strength of their bonds with their parents. Good relationships between teenagers and their parents, as rated by both, are positively correlated with school success and general happiness as rated by the teen, and also by those around her. How do you parent this blossoming person who sometimes seems to be becoming a stranger?" Read the article below for additional information.
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"If it feels like your heart-to-hearts with your teen have ground to a halt, take solace in the fact that this is very much par for the course at this age and stage. Blame it on the teenage brain that’s going through incredibly important changes that ultimately help prepare kids to function in the adult world ... Get ready for these developmental changes to take several years to shake out ... To help us navigate through this awkward time, we asked top experts to sketch out what kids are going through at this age and then offer some key tips for getting your child to actually open up and talk about even the most uncomfortable of topics." Read the article below for additional information.
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"Empathy is at the heart of what it means to be human. It’s a foundation for acting ethically, for good relationships of many kinds, for loving well, and for professional success. And it’s key to preventing bullying and many other forms of cruelty. Empathy begins with the capacity to take another perspective, to walk in another’s shoes. But it is not just that capacity. [It also] includes valuing other perspectives and people. It’s about perspective-taking and compassion.How can parents cultivate empathy?" The following [article outlines] five guideposts based on research and the wisdom of practitioners.
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"Do you remember what it felt like being a teenager? So many things seemed magnified. It seemed like everyone was watching you. Everything was a big deal. And when even little things didn’t go your way, it seemed like the sky was falling. ... When our kids are dealing with disappointments, they may not know how to respond. ... As parents, our job is to help them navigate through that disappointment. How we guide our children through trials today will shape how they handle trials in the future." Read the articles below for some tips to help you to help them handle disappointments."
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"Living through the COVID-19 pandemic has had a severe impact on people’s mental health and well-being. Restricted movement, loss, and isolation have led to increases in depression, anxiety disorders, stress, sleep disorders, and more. The effects have been even harsher for teens. How can we help protect our well-being during this particularly difficult time? One way we might try to help ourselves this year is spending more time immersed in nature. In the last decade or so, research on the health benefits of nature experiences has exploded, confirming what many people know intuitively—that green spaces are good for mental well-being, whether you’re walking outdoors, looking at beautiful views, or even just seeing videos of nature." Please read the article below to learn more.
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"Teens and young adults today are more stressed, anxious, depressed and lonely than ever – at least in the United States. At first glance, it’s hard to wrap your head around this fact.No one really knows the root cause, but it seems to be a perfect storm of several factors. Given the situation, let’s consider how young folks can take care of themselves and cope with the many stresses they face." Please read the article below to learn some things that can be included in a toolbox to promote well-being.
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"The start of a new year is a great time to help your children focus on forming good habits. Making New Year's resolutions can be a fun way to do this! ... It is [important] to set healthy goals with kids – and to be realistic about those goals. Kids also love having something to work toward. They can have fun keeping track on sticker charts or getting praise or rewards as they reach these goals, depending on their age ... Sit down with your kids and, together, pick maybe one or two goals they want to set as their New Year's resolutions. If it's too overwhelming to think of them as resolutions, then just talk about them as goals and make it fun." Read the article below to learn more.
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"It can be isolating, confusing, and even exhausting when your child is having a hard time. As parents dealing with a range of our own emotions, we usually have few outlets and little time to get support . . . And let’s be honest, right now, and maybe even always, all children are struggling in some ways. There will always be difficulties, stress, struggles. So, this article is for all of us who love and care for children of any age . . . [with] a few nuggets and a bit of encouragement along the way." Read the articles below to learn more.
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"A 2016 study found that quality time with parents served as a better predictor of teenagers' academic aspirations than time spent doing homework or attending extracurricular activities. Parents who discussed books, attended cultural events, and brought teens on community outings raised their teen's aspirations. Giving your teen regular doses of positive attention will also help you maintain a healthy relationship, which can reduce behavior problems and set your child up for success later in life." Read the articles below to learn more.
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"In an increasingly fast-paced, technology-driven world, teen stress, depression and anxiety are on the rise. A survey by the American Psychological Association found that younger Americans report the highest level of stress among all age groups. In addition to peer, academic, social and family pressures, the holiday season can bring seasonal stressors." Read the article below to learn more about helping teens manage stress through the holiday season.
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"Excited for the holidays? Don’t assume that your teenager is just as excited as you. Some teens struggle with heightened feelings of anxiety and depression around the holidays, especially in a divorced household. Juggling the demands of family and the uncertainty of a less-structured day can put even the most calm-tempered teen on edge." Read the article below to learn about seven strategies to help teens manage stress through the holiday season.
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"We are reminded, every year at this time, how difficult holidays can be for people who are lonely or alone. But let’s be honest: even for families rich in children, holidays can be stressful—both for parents and kids.Why are holidays so fraught? Because expectations are heightened, and holidays can feel like a test of how happy and successful your family is. Even favorite traditions can turn into a test of stamina and patience. Here are some tips to help minimize stress and make the holidays more fun and fulfilling." Read the article below for additional information.
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"In a time when many middle school kids carry around $600 phones that they take for granted, teaching gratitude can feel like an uphill battle. But despite the challenges you might face in helping kids feel grateful in a world that seems to value overabundance, it can be worthwhile. A 2019 study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies found that gratitude is linked to happiness in children by age 5. This means that instilling gratitude in your kids at a young age could help them grow up to be happier people." Read the article below for additional information.
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"On its own, mindfulness is a practice of living in the moment. It means you’re aware of where you are in the world, what you’re thinking, and how you’re feeling on the inside and out. Not only that, but mindfulness is also about looking at the world — your world — with less judgment and more acceptance. The idea of mindful parenting . . . applies the principles of mindfulness to the many situations in your family that can feel a bit crazy at times." Read the article below for additional information.
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"We know that you have a busy schedule, especially if your family’s usual routine has changed due to the COVID-19 outbreak. If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, mindfulness can be a helpful way to decompress. Just a few minutes spent focusing on and accepting your thoughts, sensations, or emotions can help you recharge and face whatever the day holds for you and your family." Read the article below for 30 activities that were selected with parents in mind. They are great for practicing a little mindfulness every day. Try a few by yourself or with your children to see which exercises work best for you.
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"Across all of my work and home forays into the intricacies of parenting, one truth shines through: the emotional pains of modern parenting are universal. ALL parents come up against significant surges of strong negative feelings and, unfortunately, many get mired in needless suffering as a result of what’s happening internally—how they’re reacting to these painful emotions. This truth has led me to the following conclusion: Parents need a new way to relate to the inevitable suffering and universal emotional pain of parenthood." Read the article below for additional information.
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"The Middle School years are a time of magical blossoming, but like all huge transitions in our kids' lives, they’re filled with ups and downs. As with parenting toddlers, parents who don’t accept and constructively negotiate their child's blossoming independence invite rebellion, or even worse, deception. The biggest danger for tweens is losing the connection to parents while struggling to find their place and connect in their peer world. The biggest danger for parents is trying to parent through power instead of through relationship, thus eroding their bond and losing their influence on their child as she moves into the teen years." Read the articles (from Aha! Parenting) below for additional information.
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"All children can behave in ways that are … not very adorable. Big behavior can be exhausting and maddening for even the calmest of parents. There’s a good reason for this. Children create their distress in their important adults as a way to share the emotional load when that load gets too heavy. This is how it’s meant to be. In the same way that children weren’t meant to carry big physical loads on their own, they also weren’t meant to carry big emotional loads. Big feelings and big behavior are a call to us for support to help them with that emotional load." Read the article below for additional information.
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"Middle school is an exciting time for a child and for the parents. Middle school students are on their way to becoming independent, developing their own interests, and preparing for high school and beyond." Read the article below to learn what you should know about today's middle school kids, and what you can expect during these transitional years.
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"I’ve learned over the years that 'boring' means something very different to each student, and I need to dig deeper. “Boring' is the tip of the iceberg—it’s what the student says on the surface, but the underlying reasons can be more complex. A recent study by Michael Furlong and his colleagues sheds some light on what students may actually mean when they report boredom at school. Instead of viewing boredom as being limited to a particular subject or classroom, they studied students who report broader unfavorable school attitudes, or a 'School Boredom Mindset.'" Read the articles below for additional information.
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"The word "should" adds stress, pressure, anxiety, and shame. It doesn't move you closer to your goal, it usually keeps you stuck.
Instead of "should" or "should not," I'd encourage you to rewrite your sentence in a way that is honest, productive, and positive." Read the articles below for additional information.
Instead of "should" or "should not," I'd encourage you to rewrite your sentence in a way that is honest, productive, and positive." Read the articles below for additional information.
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“Middle school isn’t easy, but with a little planning, preparation, and parenting you will help your children thrive throughout these important years. Most of all, we can simply offer our kids safe places to land. Sometimes they just need space to clear their heads. They need us constantly reminding them they have value and that we love them in spite of the crazy.'" Read the articles below for additional information.
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“As part of discovering their very important place in the world, our children and teens will often behave in ways that are, let’s say, wildly short of ‘adorable’. They will explore, experiment, push to find the limits, and exercise their independence. As parents, this can be triumphant and wonderful to watch. At other times, it can bring us to our knees. We might yell, say things we regret, or say reasonable things in ways we regret. We’re human. It’s going to happen. If we’re looking to support our children and teens towards a better way to be, the only way to do this is through connection." Read the following article for more information.
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“After another extremely frustrating day battling his son about everything from screentime to bedtime, a parent sat down with me for a parent coaching session. During our conversation, he noticed that he only called his child’s name in anger or frustration. He couldn’t think of a time recently that he used his child’s name to give a compliment or say something encouraging. The observation shocked him. So he decided to conduct an experiment. For the next two weeks, he challenged himself to use his child’s name only in positive ways. It wasn’t easy at first, but because he was focused on the experiment, he was able to interrupt his old pattern. The results were surprising." Read the following article for more information.
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“'It’s managing our own emotions that’s the big problem.' Indeed, this has been my own greatest parenting challenge, as it has been for the hundreds of parents I have worked with. I am solidly convinced after 30 years of practice that the single most important skill for “positive” parenting over the course of our kids’ lifetimes is our own self-awareness and self-regulation as parents." Read the following article for more information.
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SEL for Parents - Meigs Memos -
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Summer is in sight and our Move This World friends are offering an exciting Summer Series for our school community. Maintaining a social and emotional wellness routine is more important than ever. The MTW Summer Series offers unique access to video exercises for all grade levels (Early Elementary through High School) that build SEL skills all summer long! For additional information (and access to the series), please see the flyer below.
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"Practicing gratitude on a regular basis is instrumental in helping you become more optimistic. It also can have a huge impact on your overall mood and perspective. What's more, when expressed during challenging times, gratitude can help you recognize the goodness of life, which in turn helps you calm your fear and anxiety and maintain a positive outlook in an uncertain situation." Read the articles listed below for additional information.
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"'It’s managing our own emotions that’s the big problem.' Indeed, this has been my own greatest parenting challenge, as it has been for the hundreds of parents I have worked with. I am solidly convinced after 30 years of practice that the single most important skill for “positive” parenting over the course of our kids’ lifetimes is our own self-awareness and self-regulation as parents." Read the articles listed below for additional information.
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"All children are capable of working through challenges and coping with stress. Resilience is the ability to bounce back from stress, adversity, failure, challenges, or even trauma. It’s not something that kids either have or don’t have; it’s a skill that kids develop as they grow. Resilient kids are more likely to take healthy risks because they don’t fear falling short of expectations. They are curious, brave, and trusting of their instincts. They know their limits and they push themselves to step outside of their comfort zones. This helps them reach for their long-term goals and it helps them solve problems independently." Read the articles listed below for additional information.
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"The teenage years are confusing and difficult years for child and parent alike. However, they are also critical moulding years – the behaviours and habits that your teenage child adopts now may affect their personality in future and shape their character in the long run. Many parents feel frustrated during this period of time. Frequent clashes in attitude may make you feel that you are slowly losing your bond with your once obedient child. However, you need to accept that your teenagers are likely just trying to find themselves and to push the boundaries of their values and what they can live with and accept in themselves and in others. Things need not be complicated and there are many ways for you and your child to manage a healthy relationship through mutual respect and love." Read the articles listed below for additional information.
- 10 Ways to a Better Relationship With Your Teenager - Families for Life - Inspiro Community Health Service
- Tips for Building Healthy Relationships with Your Teenagers - CAMH
- Building Your Relationship With Your Teen: Here's What to Know - Today
- 10 Ways to Build Relationships with Teen Children - Inspiro Community Health Service
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"We think of test anxiety as something that crops up when teenagers take the SAT or some other important exam, but the truth is that even very young children can experience it. With the increase in tests and assessments at the elementary school level, more and more young children are experiencing symptoms of test anxiety." Read the articles listed below for a few steps you can take to help your child tackle this problem before it becomes overwhelming.
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Read the article below for “a curated list of articles and videos for parents about fostering skills like kindness, empathy, resilience, perseverance, and focus in children."Three Items From the List:
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“'Whether it's called 'social and emotional learning' or 'emotional intelligence,' most people understand it's critical to pay attention to the development of the whole young person, including character education. Parents have a dual role to play in raising a self-aware, respectful child who knows how to manage his or her emotions, make responsible decisions, and resolve conflicts non-violently. At home, you should strive to create an environment of trust, respect, and support. Remember that modeling 'emotionally intelligent' behavior at home is the first step in nurturing emotionally intelligent children." Read the article below some specific steps you can take to nurture an emotionally intelligent child.
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“'Hope is certainly essential in the lives of all our kids but it is up to us to ignite it to light the flame that lives within.' Many educators and parents are concerned about children and youth becoming cynical about making the world a better place. [But] the hope is there. It resides within the hearts of the vast majority of our students. Adults must provide the spark that enables hope to flourish." Read the article below for additional information.
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“Self-regulation is the ability to manage your emotions and behavior in accordance with the demands of the situation. It includes being able to resist highly emotional reactions to upsetting stimuli, to calm yourself down when you get upset, to adjust to a change in expectations, and to handle frustration without an outburst. It is a set of skills that enables children, as they mature, to direct their own behavior towards a goal, despite the unpredictability of the world and our own feelings." Read the articles below for additional information.
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“The teenage years are naturally full of angst as children move through adolescence to adulthood. The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified the stresses of that transition for many youth. The restrictions presented by the stay-at-home measures can make it hard for youth who long to test their independence. Being stuck at home and missing out on extracurricular activities can be tough. Attending school remotely can require an adjustment. Connecting with peers and friends at school is an important part of development for teenagers. Finding creative ways to help your teenager spend time with their friends is really important." Read the articles below for additional information.
- Teen Mental Health During Pandemic - Davia Gray - Stanford Children's Health
- Supporting Your Teen During the Pandemic | April Cox | Discovery Mood & Anxiety Program
- Managing Your Teen's Anxiety During the Pandemic | Jacqueline Sierzega, PsyD | Healthy Driven
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“Raising teenagers is hard. There are many parents that fear the teenage years. That fear may be merited because these are the years that the relationship between the kid and the family is being redefined. The importance of friends rises for them, while the parents and siblings fall. The fruit of your labor is not as easily seen as it used to be. In some cases, it may even seem like your influence is outright rejected. If so, hang in there. Your work is not in vain. This period can prove to be the most rewarding and most vibrant phase of parenting. Here are 10 keys to raising a great teenager."
- 10 Keys to Raising a Great Teenager | Mark W. Merrill | All Pro Dad
- Breaking Through the Walls of Teenagers | B.J. Foster | All Pro Dad
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“With the internet awash with child-rearing advice and theories, it can feel totally overwhelming being a parent. "Parenting Ideas" helps parents focus on the things that matter when raising kids. Here’s a potent formula written in plain language to help you focus on what really matters as a parent."
- A Simple Formula for Parenting | Michael Grose | Parenting Ideas
- Five Ways to Get Teens to Listen - Michael Grose | Parenting Ideas
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“While there are concerns about the negative impact of physical isolation is having on children’s learning, we should also be concerned about their mental health. Teachers and health professionals report that the strain of physical isolation is starting to show for many children and young people. Any anxiety and fear they experience is heightened by isolation from friends, lack of access to their usual sports and leisure activities and a lack of certainty about the future. In these challenging times kids’ mental health needs to be a high priority." Read the following article for additional information:
- Maintaining Kids' Mental Health During the Coronavirus Pandemic | Michael Grose | Parenting Ideas
- How to Talk to Your Child When They're Highly Emotional - Michael Grose | Parenting Ideas
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“Right from birth, kids learn new skills at a dizzying rate. And along with those new abilities, they also acquire the confidence to use them. As children get older, that confidence can be as important as the skills themselves. To thrive, kids need to trust in their own capabilities while, at the same time, knowing that they can handle it if they aren’t successful at something. It’s by experiencing mastery and rebounding from failure that they develop healthy self-confidence." Read the following articles for additional information:
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“In this unprecedented novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, many parents are left struggling with navigating a new, uncharted territory of challenges, while trying to grapple with and establish new norms in the household. Given the rapid and drastic changes in daily life that the world has witnessed recently, it is not uncommon for parents to doubt their parenting approach, whether they are doing enough, and/or wonder about what else could they be doing. Many parents are understandably feeling overwhelmed. While you’re very likely doing the best you can as a parent in these challenging times, if you’re looking for strategies for more effective parenting in the face of this pandemic," read the following articles.
- The Pandemic Parenting Guide: How to Improve Your Child/Teen’s (and Your Own) Emotional Well-Being in Times of COVID-19 - Richa Bhatia, MD, FAPA - ADDA
- Pandemic Parenting - Two psychologists, scholars and moms share science-based research to help all who care for kids navigate this challenging time.
Feeling Stressed or Anxious? Here are 12 more coping strategies for you to try:
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“'The main task for parents is to help their children grow into the best version of themselves.' This ... can be challenging for parents who want to raise their kids in their own image. Sure, parents want to share the best parts of themselves with their children but that doesn’t mean they should raise them in our own image. If excellence is a strong value, then in all probability this is a value you may like your child to share. That makes sense. However, if sport is your strength and your child doesn’t share that interest it’s wise to assist your child to develop their own strengths and interests rather than push them down a path of your making." Read the following articles for guidance in helping your child grow into the best version of themselves both socially and academically.
- Helping Children Grow into Their Best Selves - Michael Grose - Parenting Ideas
- We Grow Through What We Go Through - Michael Grose - Parenting Ideas
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“As our adolescents navigate their way from childhood to adolescence, they will wobble, fall and rise many times. They’ve done this before – as tinies when they were discovering their walking legs. We stayed close, held them up, and let go when we needed to. We knew they wouldn’t learn to walk if we didn’t let them fall ... Adolescence will work the same way, and the temptation to hold on tight to our teens and control the path that lies ahead of them will be bigger and more fierce than ever – but our response has to be different." Read the article below for additional information.
Feeling Stressed or Anxious? Here are 12 coping strategies for you to try:
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“The start of a new year is a great time to help your children focus on forming good habits. Here are some healthy and positive goal-setting ideas you can suggest to your children, depending on their age." Read the articles below for additional information.
- Healthy New Year's Resolutions for Children & Teens - American Academy of Pediatrics - HealthyChildren.org
- 6 Parenting Goals to Start the New Year - American Academy of Pediatrics - HealthyChildren.org
- Chores and Responsibility - American Academy of Pediatrics - HealthyChildren.org
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“We tend to recognize the fact that babies need lots of loving touches. We hold them against our skin. We carry them next to our heart. We soothe them by gently smoothing their hair or massaging their tiny hands and feet. But as they grow, we may not consider how often we touch, how we touch, and the importance of touch. In fact, there’s research that shows that positive touch can have powerful effects and those findings have significant implications for family life. Touch can deepen intimacy in any relationship creating safety and trust and a sense of well-being. It offers health benefits as well. A study found that those who hugged more were more resistant to colds and other stress-induced illnesses." Read the articles below for additional information.
Parents Together:
5 Things You Can Say to Your Kid |
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“I feel like there should be a warning for all parents around mid-November that reads: Caution. Self-regulation may be limited.As the season’s shift and the store shelves begin to burst with the latest toys and flashy gadgets, kids dream of candy and getting gifts for doing absolutely nothing. That’s a lot of excitement to manage. We feel it in ourselves – hurrying around, trying to get everything ready for the holidays – we’re running a little faster than normal. Unfortunately, our kids are at a disadvantage. They are still in the process of learning how to self-regulate." Read the articles below for additional information.
- Helping Your Child Self-Regulate During the Holidays - Nicole Schwarz - Imperfect Families
- How to Make Your Family Happy With Less - Kelly Holmes - Happy You, Happy Family
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“The coronavirus pandemic has canceled many things. But don't give it the power to cancel the holidays. Here are some safe ways to celebrate the season with your family in 2020. Talk honestly about your usual holiday traditions. Try to replicate the ones you can, allow everyone to mourn the ones you'll have to let go this year, and then commiserate about a few you're maybe not so sad to say goodbye to. You may even want to continue the trimmed-down traditions in future years." Read the articles below for more information.
- In a Pandemic Year, Here Are 50 Ways to Celebrate Holidays With Your Kids - Amy Schwabe - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
- A Season of Good Health - Emerson Hospital - Tips for the Holidays in the Pandemic
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“The holidays are right around the corner, which means it’s time for firming up plans. But with the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, those plans are going to look a lot different than usual. Because of factors like travel complications and susceptible family members, there will be plenty of rethinking plans and, possibly, canceling them altogether, adding more anguish to a period already filled with immense stress." Read the articles below for more information.
- Should You Cancel Your Holiday Gatherings This Year Because of COVID? - Health Essentials
- How to Help Kids Handle Holiday Disappointment During COVID19 - Amy Adolfo Signore, PhD, MPH & Emily Wakefield, PsyD - Connecticut Children's
SEL for Parents - Meigs Memos -
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“Parenting teens can sometimes feel like a tightrope walk. It’s no small feat trying to balance providing support to help teens navigate the world and easing back in recognition of their growing independence. Despite all our attempts to show love and care, we can often end up in conflict with our teens. But a new study offers some insight into how to help teens feel loved." Read the articles below for more information.
- When Do Teens Feel Loved by Their Parents? - Maryam Abdullah - Greater Good Magazine
- What Are We Grateful for During Covid 19? - Emiliana R. SImon-Thomas & Jeremy Adam Smith - Greater Good Magazine
SEL for Parents - Meigs Memos -
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“We have something at our fingertips, literally, which is so incredibly powerful that it can calm anxiety and gently open the way to brave behaviour. It’s touch, and when we use it in
ways that are safe, warm, and invited, it can soothe anxiety and help the brain and body come to rest. The magic happens in the amygdala, which is also the part of the brain where anxiety happens. The amygdala keeps us safe by constantly scanning the environment for threat and making lightning-quick decisions about whether to avoid or approach. It does its job beautifully, but sometimes it becomes a little overprotective and pushes too hard for avoidance. This is when anxiety can cause more trouble than it deserves to." Read the article below for more information.
ways that are safe, warm, and invited, it can soothe anxiety and help the brain and body come to rest. The magic happens in the amygdala, which is also the part of the brain where anxiety happens. The amygdala keeps us safe by constantly scanning the environment for threat and making lightning-quick decisions about whether to avoid or approach. It does its job beautifully, but sometimes it becomes a little overprotective and pushes too hard for avoidance. This is when anxiety can cause more trouble than it deserves to." Read the article below for more information.
SEL for Parents - Meigs Memos -
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“Every evening at the dinner table, my husband and I used to fall into [the] age-old parenting trap [of asking questions with one-word answers]. But one-word answers don’t foster a good discussion, and they certainly don’t help us reconnect with our kids after a long day apart from each other. And yet, it’s absolutely essential that we do reconnect because if we don’t, we pay the price later. Read the article below for a list of questions for kids that will not only teach your child the art of conversation, but also give you a peek straight into his/her heart ... And most important of all, you’ll close any distance that’s come between you and your child during the day so you both end the day feeling connected, loved, and happy."
- The Best Questions to Ask Your Kid Instead of “How Was Your Day? - Kelly Holmes - Happy You, Happy Family
- 15 Questions to Replace 'How Was School Today?' - Elena Aguilar - Edutopia
SEL for Parents - Meigs Memos -
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“You've lived through 2 a.m. feedings, toddler temper tantrums, and the back-to-school blues. So why is the word "teenager" causing you so much worry? When you consider that the teen years are a period of intense growth, not only physically but emotionally and intellectually, it's understandable that it's a time of confusion and upheaval for many families. Despite some adults' negative perceptions about teens, they are often energetic, thoughtful, and idealistic, with a deep interest in what's fair and right. So, although it can be a period of conflict between parent and child, the teen years are also a time to help kids grow into the distinct individuals they will become." Read the articles below for additional information.
- A Parent's Guide to Surviving the Teen Years - KidsHealth Medical Experts - KidsHealth
- Three Tips for Raising Resilient Teens - Theo Koffler - Mindful Magazine
SEL for Parents - Meigs Memos -
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“... many teenagers tend to be either terribly disorganized, requiring constant nagging, or tightly wound, perfectionistic, and in need of constant therapy. There’s also all that new neuroscience showing, unfortunately, that the brain regions that help humans make wise choices don’t mature until kids are in their mid 20s, and that many potentially life-threatening risks become more appealing during adolescence while the normal fear of danger is temporarily suppressed. Knowing these things can make it hard for us parents to relax. Though teenagers can be hard to parent, the good news is that parenting teenagers is in many ways a hell of a lot easier than raising little kids. For this to be the case, however, our parenting needs to shift. Here are the three big shifts that parents of teenagers need to make to survive their kids’ adolescence." Read the articles below for additional information.
- Three Ways to Change Your Parenting in the Teenage Years - Christine Carter - Greater Good Magazine
- Seven Things to Understand About Your Teen, According to a Veteran Teacher and Father of Five - Braden Bell - The Washington Post
- 20 Questions to Help You Bond with Your Teen - Christin Perry - Parents.com
- A Parent's Guide to Surviving the Teen Years - KidsHealth Medical Experts - KidHealth
SEL for Parents - Meigs Memos -
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“Although teens don’t have to worry about bills, a career, or holding down a household, they experience different sources of stress. They deal with issues like bullying, peer pressure, and academic issues which can be very stressful. Without appropriate support, stressed-out teens may be at a higher risk for mental health problems, academic problems, and health issues. It's important to be on the lookout for warning signs your teen is feeling stressed out. Then, you can intervene sooner, rather than later." Read the articles below for additional information.
- 10 Signs Your Teen is Stressed Out - Amy Morin - Very Well Mind
- A Parent's Guide to Helping Teens Understand and Cope with Stress - Jen Tramer - Your Teen Magazine
- Stress: It's Contagious - Arietta Slade - Yale School of Medicine
- Video: Kids and Stress: A Look at New Pressures Facing Teens Today - Video - Today (Yale Child Studies)
- Video: Helping Kids Cope with Stress During Coronavirus Pandemic - Denise Daniels - FoxNews (Scholastic & Yale Child Studies
Parents Together:
5 Questions to Get Your Kiddo's Brain Churning |
Move This World: Family Interview Activity
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Parents Together:
5 Questions That Will Make Your Kid Smile |
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SEL for Parents - Meigs Memos -
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“Before the pandemic, many of us found ourselves doing a little more parenting than we knew we ought to be doing ... many of our parenting decisions ... were informed by more "shoulds" than "coulds ... But now, the chaos and suffering brought on by Covid-19 have laid bare just how impossible our parenting standards are ... Two new books consider what perfectionist parenting does to the human brain, and what a relaxed, more compassionate parenting can look like for parents and kids. While both titles were written pre-Covid, their messages about privileging connection over perfection are more urgent than ever." Read the articles below for additional information.
SEL for Parents - Meigs Memos -
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"'They teach everything differently,' ... said Jennifer Szot (parent) ... making her approach to such problems seem obsolete. And there are other challenges, she tells me while shushing the family dog, starting with the need to scatter everyone throughout the house so that the four simultaneous video conferences don’t clog the airwaves. She checks on her son while he’s in 'class' to make sure he’s not secretly playing video games. She calms her 11th-grade daughter who is taking three A.P. classes and worrying about how she’ll manage the exams. Most of all, she tries to lower the collective stress that everyone feels under their roof, including her husband and 9th-grade daughter. 'Nobody is sleeping well,' she said." Read the articles below for additional information.
SEL for Parents - Meigs Memos -
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“They teach everything differently,” ... said Jennifer Szot (parent) ... making her approach to such problems seem obsolete. And there are other challenges, she tells me while shushing the family dog, starting with the need to scatter everyone throughout the house so that the four simultaneous video conferences don’t clog the airwaves. She checks on her son while he’s in “class” to make sure he’s not secretly playing video games. She calms her 11th-grade daughter who is taking three A.P. classes and worrying about how she’ll manage the exams. Most of all, she tries to lower the collective stress that everyone feels under their roof, including her husband and 9th-grade daughter. “Nobody is sleeping well,” she said.
Parents like Szot who’ve been repurposed as teachers or managers of their kids’ schoolwork can benefit from the wisdom of experienced educators." In the article below, several teachers offer advice for mothers and fathers who need a hand.
Parents like Szot who’ve been repurposed as teachers or managers of their kids’ schoolwork can benefit from the wisdom of experienced educators." In the article below, several teachers offer advice for mothers and fathers who need a hand.
- How Parents Can Help Their Kids While Managing Distance Learning - Linda Flanagan - Mind/Shift
- How to Proactively Prepare for Distance Learning - Jenny Anderson - New York Times
- 22 Remote Learning Tips for Parents Helping At Home - Terry Heick - Teach Thought
SEL for Parents - Meigs Memos -
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"Social emotional learning (SEL) strengthens us as individuals and as communities, especially during uncertain times. When we practice and build our skills in self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship building and decision making, we are better equipped to navigate stressors, anxieties, and challenges. We can solve problems and work together to function at a higher level—in the classroom, at work and at home.
Regular practice is key, just as it is for any other skill like reading, math or shooting a basketball ... so how can we practice SEL at home? Here are ten tips that families can follow." Read the article below for additional information.
- 10 Ways Parents Can Bring Social-Emotional Learning Home - Sara LaHayne - EdSurge
SEL for Parents - Meigs Memos -
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"School closures due to coronavirus have impacted at least 124,000 U.S. public and private schools and affected at least 55.1 million students, according to Education Week ... Of course, the burden of educating students falls first on teachers to create online classrooms, lessons, and activities. But to complete those activities, parental guidance will be necessary ... While this is a stressful time, it’s important to plan and not panic." Read the articles below for additional information.
- 9 tips for parents navigating online learning with their children due to Coronavirus - Jennifer Fabiano - Ladders
- How Parents Can Help Their Kids While Managing Distance Learning - Linda Flanagan - KQED
- How to Reduce the Stress of Homeschooling on Everyone - Rebecca Branstetter - Greater Good Magazine
SEL for Parents - Meigs Memos -
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"Having teenagers confined to home during the coronavirus crisis may not be as labor-intensive as being holed up with small children, but it definitely has its challenges. While younger children may be thrilled at the prospect of having parental attention 24/7, adolescents are likely to feel differently." Read the articles below for some tips for parenting teenagers (and young adults suddenly home from college) during this time.
- Supporting Teenagers and Young Adults During the Coronavirus Crisis - Caroline Miller - Child Mind Institute
- Anxiety and Coping With the Coronavirus - Rachel Ehmke - Child Mind Institute
- How Mindfulness Can Help During COVID-19 - Rae Jacobson - Child Mind Institute