My friend recently e-mailed me about one of her children who was having a difficult time moving in the middle of a school year. Here are some of my thoughts:
Moving can be SO hard on kids! Every kid is different, but some children are especially resistant to change. They like to be safe and not have any disruptions in the normal routine. My youngest daughter doesn't like change and I remember the two times we moved when she was little she would suddenly start waking up at night and come into our room. I started putting a sleeping bag by my bed and whenever she wakes up in the night she can come in and sleep there. She still does this about once or twice a month believe it or not! That might help a child who is waking up at night to make sure he is getting his sleep. If he loses sleep he will become more anxious.
If your child is not experiencing headaches, stomachaches, or terribly bad sleeping patterns, he will probably get through this phase with your love and prayers! Some kids compare their new teacher to their other one, and maybe she's not as warm and friendly (or pretty!) You just never know sometimes what the "main" issue is.
One thing you could do if you haven't already is e-mail his teacher and ask her to make sure she says something positive to him each day. I know that sounds trite, but to a kid, it means a lot when a teacher compliments an assignment, or perhaps gives a special job to do in the classroom. The other thing you could do is get a book on moving and read it.
Do you remember the book Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day? by Judith Viorst. Well, I saw on Amazon that they have an Alexander book about moving. I haven't read it yet, but I bet it's funny and hits on all the things your child is going through. http://www.amazon.com/Alexander-Whos-Hear-Mean-Going/dp/0689820895/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1267300547&sr=8-3-catcorr
Getting involved in rec or school sports also often helps students overcome the moving meltdowns. Love and prayer is the most important thing you can do!
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Parent Protective Services
That sounds odd, doesn't it? I make at least 2 reports per year to Child Protective Services, and recently I have noticed that it has turned into Parent Protective Services. Last time I called to report a visible bruise, the CPS worker indicated that instead of coming to the school to interview the child, they would be making a family appointment where the parent had time to talk to the child ahead of time and help prepare them for what to say to the CPS worker.
We all hear the stories on the morning media shows of the rare occasions when children have lied because they were mad at their parents, resulting in children being taken away for a few weeks or months. That is very tragic when that happens, but over all the cases of real child abuse are increasing, not decreasing.
http://www.childhelp.org/resources/learning-center/statistics
A colleague recentlty told me that she had a child with belt marks all over his legs and when she called CPS they also made a family appointment and then sent the child home.
How many times must a child have to endure abuse before being removed from the home? How many children are losing trust in ANY adult to help them?
We all hear the stories on the morning media shows of the rare occasions when children have lied because they were mad at their parents, resulting in children being taken away for a few weeks or months. That is very tragic when that happens, but over all the cases of real child abuse are increasing, not decreasing.
http://www.childhelp.org/resources/learning-center/statistics
A colleague recentlty told me that she had a child with belt marks all over his legs and when she called CPS they also made a family appointment and then sent the child home.
How many times must a child have to endure abuse before being removed from the home? How many children are losing trust in ANY adult to help them?
Sunday, February 21, 2010
My Inspiration
The desire to become a school counselor started way back in high school. As I blog, you will see glimpses of my past that tie to my present career. I don't want to write my entire history in one blog because it would take way too long and you would lose interest!
I will tell you that my inspiration to become a school counselor came from my high school counselor, Al Jackson, to whom I dedicate this site. He listened when I thought no one would and the best thing about him is he didn't tell me what to do when I was in a dire situation. He just LISTENED. In listening, you will find that your child (middle and high school age) will eventually come to their own conclusions about what they should do. Advice and guidance given at the appropriate times is "worth it's weight in gold."
I would also like to thank Janice Dean, my high school yearbook advisor, who helped me develop my love for writing, layouts and picture taking when I was her yearbook editor.
I will tell you that my inspiration to become a school counselor came from my high school counselor, Al Jackson, to whom I dedicate this site. He listened when I thought no one would and the best thing about him is he didn't tell me what to do when I was in a dire situation. He just LISTENED. In listening, you will find that your child (middle and high school age) will eventually come to their own conclusions about what they should do. Advice and guidance given at the appropriate times is "worth it's weight in gold."
I would also like to thank Janice Dean, my high school yearbook advisor, who helped me develop my love for writing, layouts and picture taking when I was her yearbook editor.
Hello!
I have been a school counselor for 15 years. I have worked in elementary, middle and high school, with my current placement being a middle school. I am still trying to decide how to best use this blog, but I would love to be able to give advice to parents, students, teachers and fellow counselors from all the things I have learned over the years.
Sometimes I will post case studies and change names and events and ask questions of readers who may be able to give ME advice! I love my job and know that God has placed me in public education as His ministry for my life.
I am a Christian, so much of what I have to say will be from that viewpoint.
It is possible to be a counselor in public education and also be a Christian. It is tough at times, but I think the key to being a good counselor is love, compassion and mercy, no matter what your belief system is!
Sometimes I will post case studies and change names and events and ask questions of readers who may be able to give ME advice! I love my job and know that God has placed me in public education as His ministry for my life.
I am a Christian, so much of what I have to say will be from that viewpoint.
It is possible to be a counselor in public education and also be a Christian. It is tough at times, but I think the key to being a good counselor is love, compassion and mercy, no matter what your belief system is!
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