Thursday, January 8, 2015
Post holiday stress
Radio Commentary
Few times of the year match the winter holidays for the sheer joy and excitement felt by young people.
Children tend to get excited by the presents, special food, and even the change of schedule from the everyday routine.
Then it’s all over. The post-holiday letdown can sometimes escalate into post-holiday stress among young and old alike.
If this seems to be the case with your own children, encourage them to talk about their feelings. Give them a chance to draw or write about what might be troubling them.
Reassure them that these feelings are normal for everyone.
You should not be surprised if children exhibit some regressive or aggressive behavior. Try not to get alarmed or overly critical if it does appear.
Remember that this type of behavior is a normal reaction following periods of great excitement.
With your love and support, your children will do just fine.
In fact, it is often a very important lesson to learn that life has peaks and valleys in terms of excitement and happiness. Things can’t always be perfect or thrilling.
It’s both the ups and the downs that lend texture to life, and ultimately lead to wisdom. It’s a hard lesson for children to learn, but an important one.
Few times of the year match the winter holidays for the sheer joy and excitement felt by young people.
Children tend to get excited by the presents, special food, and even the change of schedule from the everyday routine.
Then it’s all over. The post-holiday letdown can sometimes escalate into post-holiday stress among young and old alike.
If this seems to be the case with your own children, encourage them to talk about their feelings. Give them a chance to draw or write about what might be troubling them.
Reassure them that these feelings are normal for everyone.
You should not be surprised if children exhibit some regressive or aggressive behavior. Try not to get alarmed or overly critical if it does appear.
Remember that this type of behavior is a normal reaction following periods of great excitement.
With your love and support, your children will do just fine.
In fact, it is often a very important lesson to learn that life has peaks and valleys in terms of excitement and happiness. Things can’t always be perfect or thrilling.
It’s both the ups and the downs that lend texture to life, and ultimately lead to wisdom. It’s a hard lesson for children to learn, but an important one.
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
Parent tips
Radio Commentary
By cultivating the right attitudes and good work habits, parents can help make sure that their children are able to take advantage of all that is offered at school in the second half of the year.
Make sure they know that school is interesting and important, and that parents are valued partners.
Be prepared. Know the school rules. Know what type of homework is assigned, how often, and how long it should take to complete. This information helps your child prepare for each day.
Talk with your child’s teachers throughout the year. They need your help and have as much to learn from you as you do from them.
Attend events at your child’s school.
Talk often with your child about what is happening at school. Ask questions about schoolwork, teachers, and activities.
This will show that you really are interested and really do consider school important.
Establish and maintain a good learning environment at home. Read with your child. Check homework every night, serving as a coach.
Ask teachers for advice. They know about child development and they spend a lot of time with your child.
Be sure to give teachers information such as changes in family circumstances, illness, or a death that could upset your child’s learning.
Teachers can better address a child’s needs if they know the circumstances that might be affecting behavior.
By cultivating the right attitudes and good work habits, parents can help make sure that their children are able to take advantage of all that is offered at school in the second half of the year.
Make sure they know that school is interesting and important, and that parents are valued partners.
Be prepared. Know the school rules. Know what type of homework is assigned, how often, and how long it should take to complete. This information helps your child prepare for each day.
Talk with your child’s teachers throughout the year. They need your help and have as much to learn from you as you do from them.
Attend events at your child’s school.
Talk often with your child about what is happening at school. Ask questions about schoolwork, teachers, and activities.
This will show that you really are interested and really do consider school important.
Establish and maintain a good learning environment at home. Read with your child. Check homework every night, serving as a coach.
Ask teachers for advice. They know about child development and they spend a lot of time with your child.
Be sure to give teachers information such as changes in family circumstances, illness, or a death that could upset your child’s learning.
Teachers can better address a child’s needs if they know the circumstances that might be affecting behavior.
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
Wipe slate clean
Radio Commentary
Here's a great tip for parents who want to help their children do better as school resumes after the holidays: Begin the new year with a clean slate.
Simply erase anything bad that has happened up to this point.
If your children have faced challenges with studying or doing schoolwork, and if that has been a source of conflict, take time out to offer a “peace treaty,” or give them amnesty.
Have both parties agree to allow those memories to fade away into the past and start fresh.
It might be helpful to meet with your child's teacher and ask him or her to do the same thing.
Coming at a challenge from a different perspective, or without a lot of baggage, can lead to better performance and increased motivation.
Children, like adults, must learn to let go of negative thoughts or experiences and start over with new enthusiasm and a can-do attitude.
There is a feeling of renewal that comes from letting go of previous difficulties, and making peace with the challenges that have to be faced.
It helps create an attitude that makes real progress possible in the future.
Here's a great tip for parents who want to help their children do better as school resumes after the holidays: Begin the new year with a clean slate.
Simply erase anything bad that has happened up to this point.
If your children have faced challenges with studying or doing schoolwork, and if that has been a source of conflict, take time out to offer a “peace treaty,” or give them amnesty.
Have both parties agree to allow those memories to fade away into the past and start fresh.
It might be helpful to meet with your child's teacher and ask him or her to do the same thing.
Coming at a challenge from a different perspective, or without a lot of baggage, can lead to better performance and increased motivation.
Children, like adults, must learn to let go of negative thoughts or experiences and start over with new enthusiasm and a can-do attitude.
There is a feeling of renewal that comes from letting go of previous difficulties, and making peace with the challenges that have to be faced.
It helps create an attitude that makes real progress possible in the future.
Monday, January 5, 2015
School Board Recognition Month
Radio Commentary
January is California School Board Recognition Month.
The state board of education, in extending its wholehearted appreciation to the dedicated individuals who serve on local school boards, cited several aspects of their service.
It acknowledged that an excellent public education system is vital to the quality of life for all California communities.
It pointed out that school board members are locally elected to provide educational leadership and respond to the needs of their communities based on local conditions.
The board cited the fact that school boards are the voice of their communities, serving the interests of students and preparing them for the future.
It acknowledged that school board members must deal with complex educational and social issues and that they are dedicated to upholding public education policies and principles.
It also proclaimed that school board members deserve recognition and thanks for their countless hours of service to the students of California’s public schools.
The California public school system is the largest and most diverse in the nation, serving more than 6.2 million students.
For this reason, the state board joined the entire educational community in encouraging all Californians to thank school board members for all they do for our children and their education.
I invite our community to do the same.
January is California School Board Recognition Month.
The state board of education, in extending its wholehearted appreciation to the dedicated individuals who serve on local school boards, cited several aspects of their service.
It acknowledged that an excellent public education system is vital to the quality of life for all California communities.
It pointed out that school board members are locally elected to provide educational leadership and respond to the needs of their communities based on local conditions.
The board cited the fact that school boards are the voice of their communities, serving the interests of students and preparing them for the future.
It acknowledged that school board members must deal with complex educational and social issues and that they are dedicated to upholding public education policies and principles.
It also proclaimed that school board members deserve recognition and thanks for their countless hours of service to the students of California’s public schools.
The California public school system is the largest and most diverse in the nation, serving more than 6.2 million students.
For this reason, the state board joined the entire educational community in encouraging all Californians to thank school board members for all they do for our children and their education.
I invite our community to do the same.
Friday, January 2, 2015
Parent resolutions
Radio Commentary
A new year is the traditional time for making resolutions.
Family Circle Magazine once printed resolutions for parents, and I’m going to repeat them because they help focus our efforts as the new year begins:
I will always love my children for who they are — not who I want them to be.
I will give my child space to grow, to dream, to succeed, and even to fail. Without that space, no growth can occur.
I will create a loving home environment, regardless of what effort it takes at a given time.
When discipline is necessary, I will let my child know that I disapprove of what he does, not who he is.
I will set limits and help my children find security in the knowledge of what is expected of them. They will not have to guess what is right or wrong.
I will make time for all my children and cherish our moments together. I will not burden my children with emotions and problems they are not equipped to deal with.
I will encourage my children to experience the world and all its possibilities, taking pains to leave them careful but not fearful.
I will try to be the kind of person I want my children to be: loving, fair-minded, giving, and hopeful.
These are good resolutions for all of us, don’t you think?
A new year is the traditional time for making resolutions.
Family Circle Magazine once printed resolutions for parents, and I’m going to repeat them because they help focus our efforts as the new year begins:
I will always love my children for who they are — not who I want them to be.
I will give my child space to grow, to dream, to succeed, and even to fail. Without that space, no growth can occur.
I will create a loving home environment, regardless of what effort it takes at a given time.
When discipline is necessary, I will let my child know that I disapprove of what he does, not who he is.
I will set limits and help my children find security in the knowledge of what is expected of them. They will not have to guess what is right or wrong.
I will make time for all my children and cherish our moments together. I will not burden my children with emotions and problems they are not equipped to deal with.
I will encourage my children to experience the world and all its possibilities, taking pains to leave them careful but not fearful.
I will try to be the kind of person I want my children to be: loving, fair-minded, giving, and hopeful.
These are good resolutions for all of us, don’t you think?
Thursday, January 1, 2015
Vision 2015
Radio Commentary
The beginning of a new year is always a good time to take stock, and share our visions for the year that is about to take shape.
This is a good time to restate my personal vision for children in Santa Barbara County. We don’t know what 2015 will hold for them, but I’m sure most members of our community share this vision for all our young people.
We envision children growing up in good health, with a zest for learning and living.
We see them with a spark inside that makes them want to share their talents with those less fortunate, and work for the good of the order, just because it's the right thing to do.
We see children who are free of fear, free of abuse, free of drugs, free of prejudice.
We see children who are free to reach beyond their circumstances, whatever those might be, and to join a society that welcomes their contributions on the job, in the community, and in the voting booth.
And we see a community willing to work together to bring all our children closer to that dream.
If we all work together, and resist pointing the fingers of blame, we can form a circle of responsibility around our children.
We can make sure that our efforts are focused on improving the conditions of children in our community, and work together with that goal always in mind.
Happy New Year to young and old alike.
The beginning of a new year is always a good time to take stock, and share our visions for the year that is about to take shape.
This is a good time to restate my personal vision for children in Santa Barbara County. We don’t know what 2015 will hold for them, but I’m sure most members of our community share this vision for all our young people.
We envision children growing up in good health, with a zest for learning and living.
We see them with a spark inside that makes them want to share their talents with those less fortunate, and work for the good of the order, just because it's the right thing to do.
We see children who are free of fear, free of abuse, free of drugs, free of prejudice.
We see children who are free to reach beyond their circumstances, whatever those might be, and to join a society that welcomes their contributions on the job, in the community, and in the voting booth.
And we see a community willing to work together to bring all our children closer to that dream.
If we all work together, and resist pointing the fingers of blame, we can form a circle of responsibility around our children.
We can make sure that our efforts are focused on improving the conditions of children in our community, and work together with that goal always in mind.
Happy New Year to young and old alike.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)