Weekly Newsletter
Rancho Rosal 2022-2023
It's the most wonderful time of the year, right?
If you're anything like me, the holiday season is one of your favorite times but it can also be one of the most stressful times bringing a lot of anxiety and disruption to our regular schedules. Our students can feel these same emotions. Anxiety is one of the most common mental health challenges facing kids today. As a parent, it can be difficult to figure out how to best support your child with anxiety. How do you balance encouraging coping without being demanding with responding in a supportive way without rescuing your child?
Here are three common mistakes adults make when it comes to parenting a child with anxiety and what to do instead:
Common Mistake #1: Protecting
None of us like to see an upset child, so it makes sense that we try to fix the problem or rescue the child from the anxiety-provoking situation. Unfortunately, this makes anxiety worse over time. We have to allow our children to experience some levels of anxiety so they learn to cope.
Common Mistake #2: Demanding
Responding to a child’s anxiety in a demanding way can make the situation worse. This happens when we tell our children that their worries are “no big deal” or in their imagination. When children are pushed to face their fears without validation, they often feel less confident in their ability to cope and the anxiety can get worse.
Common Mistake #3: Trying to convince them out of it
It is instinctual to try to reassure or convince our children why they shouldn’t be worried. This often doesn’t work and can create more anxiety.
What should you do instead?
Rather than rescuing or trying to convince your child why they shouldn’t feel worried, validate their emotions. Then, encourage coping strategies and facing the scary situation rather than getting out of it. Avoidance makes anxiety worse.
Here are some sample talking points:
“You feel nervous because your dad is leaving. It’s okay to feel nervous. I know you will be okay.”
“I hear you. It’s a big change going back to school. I also know you can do it.”
“It sounds like you might be feeling nervous. You can stay next to me until you are ready.”
“I know this is difficult. I also know you can do it. You are being so brave right now.”
Anxiety can be challenging and overwhelming. If your child has been struggling with high levels of anxiety for more than a few weeks, reach out for help from a professional who can support you and your child with evidence-based strategies and support.
Source: Helping Families Thrive 2022
Save the Date!
12/19: School Tour @ 9:00 - Please share with your local friends and family interested in learning more about The Ranch
12/22: Spirit Day - Pajama Day
12/23-1/9: Winter Break
1/10: School Resumes
1/13: Coffee & Conversation - WIN Time
1/30: School Tour @ 9:00 - Please share with your local friends and family interested in learning more about The Ranch
Reminders
Coffee & Conversation: WIN Time (1/13 @ 8:30) **NEW DATE**
VCOE Library Update
Apex Fun Run is Coming
If you DO NOT want your child to participate, please be sure to complete the Opt Out form and turn it in to the front office.
Meet Our 3rd Grade Team!
When not on campus you can find Ms. Wood baking with her daughter and Ms. Stotko enjoys working in her garden and cooking. You'd find Ms. Togneri in the gym, eating avocados or snuggling with her dog, Kaia. Did you know Ms. Seth-Hunter loves hanging out with her chickens and spending time with her teenage sons? Ms. Mulchay loves kickboxing and playing with her pop, Winnie. When not in the classroom, you can find Ms. Seits working on a puzzle or playing with her grandchildren.