Counselor Corner Newsletter
Volume 1: October 2021
Hello!
More information about the role of a school counselor can be found at
https://www.schoolcounselor.org/getmedia/ee8b2e1b-d021-4575-982c-c84402cb2cd2/Role-Statement.pdf
In these newsletters, I hope to provide information that will encourage teamwork and success. These newsletters, as well as other important information and links, can be found on my website
Bullying Prevention Month
https://txssc.txstate.edu/videos/bullying-and-the-law/
The best way to counteract bullying is through prevention and promoting positive attributes within our students. Instead of saying things like "don't be a bully," we should promote kindness, compassion, empathy, responsibility, and teamwork. Students who are able to understand how their words and actions can impact others are less likely to engage in bullying. We can help by modeling respectful conversations and interactions with others and encouraging students to appreciate each other's differences and work together to achieve more than can be done alone.
I challenge you to show someone a deliberate act of kindness today without expecting anything in return!
Red Ribbon Week, October 23-31
Social Emotional Learning & Support
Recognizing & Managing Anxiety in Kids
- stomach ache or headache
- excessive crying
- nightmares
- clinginess
- unusually quiet
- constantly seeking reassurance
- being fearful to try something
- difficulty sleeping
- acting distracted
Strategies to help your child manage their stress include
- listening to their concerns
- staying calm and being patient
- acknowledge and praise positive events and progress
- be flexible
- plan ahead
- introduce grounding techniques (see image to the right)
More information on this topic can be found at
https://www.thepragmaticparent.com/grounding-techniques-for-anxiety-kids/
and
https://childmind.org/article/what-to-do-and-not-do-when-children-are-anxious/
Reaching other areas of the brain
Different areas of the brain handle different parts of our lives- emotions, thoughts, and bodily functions. As we grow, our brain builds connections with the different areas of the brain. Young children have not yet developed as many connections as adults, so when they feel strong emotions, it can be difficult for them to process them in an appropriate manner. If your child needs a change in their emotional state, physical activity often helps with this process.
Physical activity ideas can be found at https://fit.sanfordhealth.org/resources/fitboost-activity
Other ways that parents and other adults can help children build strong connections in the brain include
- being present and fully experiencing events with our children
- considering their perspective (something minor to us may be very important to them)
- when appropriate, using nonverbal cues (tone of voice, facial expressions, etc.) to first connect with our upset children and then helping them redirect their actions and feelings
- allow them to retell stories about experiences as it helps them process their thoughts and feelings
- help create positive associations
- encourage good decision-making in a safe environment
Strong connections between the different areas of the brain lead to greater self-understanding, better control of one's body and emotions, improved independent decision-making, and success in school.
More information on this topic can be found in the book "The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind" by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson.
Thoughts, Feelings, & Behaviors
https://www.nap.edu/resource/other/dbasse/wellbeing-tools/interactive/tools-for-children.html
By changing the way we think about a situation, we can change the way we feel about and react to that event. Rephrase negative thoughts to a more positive viewpoint to put yourself in a more positive mindset.