TBANS Monthly Thoughts - November 2017
Calm and Confident in a Chaotic World
A local preschool shared this story. A class of children walked past a wasps’ nest and everyone was stung multiple times. You can imagine the hysteria. But in the end, everyone was fine. The interesting part is that when parents were called, they all reacted similarly – “That’s all? Thank goodness it wasn’t something worse. I thought you were going to tell me there was a terrorist attack.”
A parent’s and a teacher’s first responsibility is to keep children safe. Yet that feels harder and harder in the face of ongoing tragedy. Racist protests, mass shootings, devastating hurricanes, wild fires, a toxic political climate, and more. Our fears may be heightened and our stress has intensified. How can we feel confident in our children’s well-being when the world seems so unpredictable? How can we help our children feel safe and confident in such a world?
Two Experts Will Teach Us About Emotional and Physical Security
“From Chaotic to Calm”
with Jules Alvarado
November 28, 9:45-11:45. Flier here .
Jules is a world-renowned speaker on early childhood brain development and its relation to stress management and success. Rabbi Pokras has gifted this potentially life-changing presentation to TBANS. Join us!
Building Security at TBANS
with Brian Johnson
December 5, 7:30 pm
Brian Johnson is the Director of Security for the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington. He will answer all your questions about real dangers, precautions, Jewish Temple security, and child safety.
Help Your Children Feel Safe
Suggestions from the Child and Family Social Workers at the Jewish Social Service Agency
Focus on “Community Helpers”
Point out professionals who keep us safe, such as police and fire fighters.

Appreciate Differences among People
Everyone is created in the image of God and every person deserves respect.
Talk with your children, and model inclusivity. Consider reading this book with your child.

Practice Mindfulness
Find time to meditate, do yoga or fully attend to things that bring joy.
Spend quality time and be truly present with your loved ones.

Turn Off the News
Young children cannot process the barrage of bad news, angry voices, and repeated videos.

Instill Rituals and Traditions
Provide predictability in a child’s days by maintaining consistency and engaging in comforting routines around mealtimes, bedtimes, and holidays.

Provide Concrete Help to Those in Need
The DC Area Jewish Early Childhood Schools are joining together to support Jewish preschools devastated by Hurricane Harvey. Donate a gift card of any amount to Home Depot, Target, Ikea, or Amazon. It will make a difference for young children in Houston. Give cards to Jill by 12/1.
November Highlights

7-8 Parent-Teacher Fall Check-in Meetings
8 No classes, child care available
16 Gimel Community Day
17 Community Shabbat, 9:30, and
Challah Tots, 10:00
21 Gimel and Dalet Thanksgiving Feasts

22 TBANS Closes at 1:00 -
no Afternoon Activities
23-24 TBANS Closed for Thanksgiving
27- 29 Vision & Hearing Screenings
28 Jules Alvarado Workshop, 9:45

View full calendar here.
Contact Jill with calendar questions.
Temple Beth Ami Nursery School
Paula Sayag, Ph.D., 301-762-5594, PLS@BethAmi.org
14330 Travilah Road, Rockville, MD 20850