A message from Peggy Larson, Ed.D.
District Administrator
Resilience: Make Conections
Last year, we started each newsletter with a tip about how to feel more a part of your child’s learning.
This year, let’s review another important topic: Mental health and well-being. Learning is a lot of work for children. Helping them emotionally manage the work can be a great contributor to their overall success in life. Have you heard the term “resilience” as it relates to mental well being?
According to the American Psychological Association, “Resilience — the ability to adapt well to adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats or even significant sources of stress — can help our children manage stress and feelings of anxiety and uncertainty” (
https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/resilience
). Resilience is an important life skill.
Each month, I’d like to present a tip that you can use to help focus on the mental well being with your children.
But first - a reminder: No one knows your child as well as you do. So, while you’ll find tips here, please remember to also seek other resources if you find that you or your child needs help. (Your school counselors are one place to start, and please remind children that they can turn to any adult at school if they need to talk to someone.)
Make connections
Social connections helps all of us feel more resilient. We feel a part of things. Humans are social creatures. It is important to help children learn to make friends and how to be involved in positive groups and activities. These groups might be at school, in the community, with your church, etc. It is also important for children to feel a strong belonging within their family structure.
Tips to help children make connections include:
- Set aside a fixed time each day when you will spend family time together.
- Switch off the TV and cell phones, and play a game with the children, take a walk, read a book together, or just talk.
- Visit a friend or family member who needs support or company.
- Practice empathy: Help children learn what other people may be experiencing in different situations, and explain how your child might interact to help others.
- Provide opportunities for your children to interact: Involve them in your activities if possible, or help them join age-appropriate activities of their own.
You just never know when a new friendship will grow! Connect with someone new today.
Be well,
Peggy Larson
District Administrator
