As a military family, we have moved eight times in 15 years. For me, that means eight sets of new communities, neighborhoods, and friends. Experience has taught me that the neighbors and new people I meet are very welcoming and helpful when we first arrive, but it can be challenging to keep that momentum going long enough to establish a friendship. I have found one of the best ways for me to establish friendships with new people is to throw a party within the first month or two I am in a new … [Read more...]
A Back-To-School Conversation Starter: Where Are You From?
At the beginning of every school year, children of all ages will have new experiences: new faces, teachers, friends, classrooms, schools, routines, and of course, academics. Throughout this back to school season many kids will be adding a whole level of newness as they transition from pre-k to kindergarten, elementary to middle school, middle to high school, or high school to college. Amongst all of these students is a group of military-connected students - those kids who come from homes with at … [Read more...]
Back-to-New-School (again and again…)
Military Kid-Tested and Parent-Approved! For military-connected children, the first day at a new school is more than just being the new kid; it can be like starting over – again. And as many times as our little warriors move across the globe, being the new kid never gets easier. Going back-to-school at a new school after a recent PCS usually means new routines, new friends, new curriculum, and more. It’s a bit daunting for our youngsters, but we’ve asked a professional counselor and few … [Read more...]
Special Education 101: What You Need To Know To Start The Year Off Right
What You Need To Know To Start The Year Off Right So, your child has an IEP and you are either brand new to the world of special education OR you have just changed districts. You have probably been advocating for your child for years, but a quick refresher in the basics of special education will help you to get this new school year off to a great start! IEP vs 504 Plan In special education, there are two types of plans: IEP or 504. An IEP, or individual education plan, is designed for … [Read more...]
SecDef Carter Pushes New Initiative to Benefit Military-Connected Children
Highlights From the MCEC 17th National Training Seminar Targeted Resources Maximize Success Secretary of Defense Ash Carter addressed attendees of the annual Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) National Training Seminar on July 31 to discuss challenges facing military-connected children. Carter stressed the importance of working with groups such as the Military Child Education Coalition to push progress in the realm of public schools since more than 90 percent of military … [Read more...]
How To Develop Cooperation In Your Child
Cooperation, a character trait connected to empathy, kindness, compassion, patience, respect, and self-control. It’s interesting how one character trait, strengthens or relies on another. Cooperation as a stand alone trait improves peer relationships, develops problem-solving skills, and builds self-confidence. In the classroom, as well as at home, a cooperative child is more prepared to learn, follows directions, and fulfills responsibilities. Here are three things to consider when developing … [Read more...]
Teaching Gratitude: Needs vs. Wants
Gratitude is a character trait that parents can nurture in their child as young as four years old and as old as - well, a parent’s job is never really done, right? One way to help children and adolescents develop gratitude is to teach them the difference between their needs and wants. When a child begins to grasp this difference, he can move towards appreciating the things he has that meet his needs and recognizing other things as extras. Fun extras or yummy extras, but not necessary for a safe, … [Read more...]
Books That Teach Tolerance
As a school counselor, I used bibliotherapy to teach character education. I found using books or stories a powerful tool to teach values and life lessons at any age. When kids relate to the message and characters in a book, learning takes place and moral lessons can be applied to their life. Using stories to develop a child of character is an effective way to connect with your child on their level and then move them forward where you want them to be. When choosing a story to teach a character … [Read more...]
Want To Teach Your Child Tolerance? Look In The Mirror.
Children are not born understanding that people are different; they learn this as they grow. As they become more aware of how and why others are different from them, they can be taught to respect these differences, or not. Tolerance is a learned character trait that helps a person accept others regardless of race, gender, religion, socioeconomic status, gender identity, social orientation, ability etc. Parents are their child’s first tolerance teacher. What do your words and … [Read more...]
5-Minute Calming Exercises That Develop Emotional Control
Emotions can get pretty intense sometimes making it challenging to stay in control and make appropriate choices. To help your child develop emotional control when his feelings get the better of him, teach him calming exercises. Neuroscience has shown that the emotional responder in our brains (the amygdala) reacts to situations BEFORE the self-regulation part of our brain (the prefrontal cortex) can exert the emotional control needed for an acceptable response. When your child is getting … [Read more...]
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