Stress Management and Teens

from the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Teenagers, like adults, may experience stress every day and can benefit from learning stress management skills. Most teens experience more stress when they perceive a situation as dangerous, difficult, or painful and they do not have the resources to cope. Some sources of stress for teens include: School demands and frustrations Negative thoughts or feelings about themselves Changes in their bodies Problems with friends and/or peers at school Unsafe living environment/neighborhood Separation or divorce of parents Chronic illness or severe problems in the…

Back-to-School Tips

​​​The following tips are from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Making the First Day Easier Parents should remember that they need not wait until the first day of class to ask for help. Schools are open to address any concerns a parent or child might have, including the specific needs of a child, over the summer. The best time to get help might be one to two weeks before school opens. Many children become nervous about new situations, including changing to a new school, classroom or teacher. This may occur at any…

Building Relationships With Teachers

A parent and former middle school teacher uses thank you notes at the start of the year to foster ties with her child’s teachers. By Johanna Rauhala for edutopia.org As a peer coach who supports new teachers and a former middle school teacher, I’m a dual citizen of the worlds of parenting and education. I tread lightly here because I never want my role as a school employee to come across as meddling or to create power struggle with the teacher. I rarely mention my job or my role…

15 Questions to Replace ‘How Was School Today?’

These questions will help you draw out important information from your kids. By Elena Aguilar for edutopia.org How many times have you asked your child, “How was school today?” and been frustrated by the lack of response? As a parent, I’m guilty of asking my son this question all the time, even though I usually don’t get much in return. Sometimes (to be honest), I haven’t had the energy for a real conversation. Other times, I just can’t think of what to ask. As a teacher, I have often…