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Author name: Parent Coach

Photo of one kid smiling with their arms in the air and another kid upset with their head down
Beech Acres, Bullying, Natural Strength Parenting™, Parenting Tips, Parents

How You Can Help Your Highly Sensitive Child Manage the Strong Personalities of Others

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NEW! We offer a wide range of FREE text-based parenting courses. Get Natural Strength Parenting™ delivered straight to your phone. Get started today. Interacting with Children with Strong Personalities Playing on a team or interacting with a group of kids with strong personalities can be difficult and stressful for children of all ages. It can be particularly tricky for a highly sensitive child. Highly sensitive children may demonstrate some of these qualities: incredibly perceptive very inquisitive prefers quiet play over play with others often labeled ‘shy’ or ‘highly emotional’ quick to react feels their feelings deeply, especially rejection and criticism of others or of others being mistreated. becomes overwhelmed easily by new situations, crowds or noise has difficulty not thinking about others in need passionate about understanding the meaning of something Nearly one-quarter of children experience some or all of these symptoms. Highly Sensitive Children May Internalize Their Feelings A highly sensitive child internalizes and experiences feelings with more intensity, so what might bounce off of a less sensitive child can be very difficult for a highly sensitive child to let go or take less seriously. Their rich emotional lives can often create a challenge in that they can misinterpret the behaviors of others, especially those that have strong personalities, and display behaviors such as being loud, demonstrative, teasing, or wanting to be in charge. What Can Parents Do When a child reports to their parent that someone has mistreated them and he or she reports their reaction and feelings strongly, it is important to ask questions about the situation before jumping to the conclusion that bullying has taken place. While bullying always needs to be treated seriously by a parent or caregiver, understanding your child’s perspective of what happened is especially important for a child that takes everything to heart. You may start a conversation with: “You really felt bad that someone said things about your science project after you worked so hard on it. Laughing at your work really hurt”.  “It sounds like they were not acting in a way that you felt was kind. Can you share what happened?”  You might also inquire whether your child sees this same behavior with others and how they respond. Ask them, “How do your friends respond when others speak to them this way?” This can help them understand other children better. Parents find that acceptance, being nonjudgmental, and focusing on what their child does well and the gifts he or she brings as a result of being a highly sensitive child can create a stronger bond between parent-child and build confidence. It will also really help the child to manage difficult behaviors he or she encounters at school. You can use Natural Strength Parenting™ to help your child navigate these situations. STRENGTH SPOTTING Highly sensitive children need to see their sensitivity as a strength to feel empowered and recognize the positives of being sensitive such as being insightful, empathetic, and creative. Since many highly sensitive children are labeled negatively, this is especially important to their well-being. It is also an important reminder to parents as they manage their concerns and frustration with their ‘emotionally charged’ child. BE MINDFUL Learn their specific triggers and co-create solutions with them to manage those big emotions. Mindful techniques like breathing may help them to feel less overwhelmed and reactive. Tapping into their strength of creativity, you may visualize with them a different way of responding to stronger personalities and how different that can feel. Doing a mindful body scan to talk about where they are feeling their emotions or imagining their first reaction to floating away on a cloud can also be helpful. BE INTENTIONAL The more your child can visualize a different response to something that is being said that they do not, the greater the chance they will feel empowered and less at the whim of others. Work together to create a “slogan” or positive phrase for the week and say it together each morning before school. By gaining insight into your child’s experience of others, you are helping them navigate the strong personalities they will encounter throughout their lives. Consider the boisterous co-worker in every meeting or the vocal parent on the PTA. With Natural Strength Parenting™, highly sensitive children can develop powerful relationship skills and discover the good in how they perceive their world. Ready to go further? Sign up to get connected with a Parenting Specialist today! 

Photo of a male teacher speaking with the parents of a little boy
Back To School, Bullying, Schools

Partner With Your Child’s Teacher To Address Bullying

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Partner With Your Child’s Teacher To Address Bullying. Partnering with your child’s teacher can offer critical insight into cases of bullying. Here are some questions you can ask your child’s teacher: How does my child get along with other students? With whom does he or she spend their free time at school? Have you ever suspected my child is being bullied by other students? Work with the teacher and with the school administration to create a plan for your child. Schedule a call or virtual meeting with your child’s teacher to address your concerns. Make sure you know the school’s policy on bullying, bring it to the administration’s (principal and school counselor) attention, and ask what their intention is regarding your child. Most schools should list their bullying policy on their website or in the student handbook. Let them know you have a plan in place with your child’s teacher and that you want the Administration involved in the solution. Ensure that any plan includes protecting your child from the situation worsening as a result of them bringing it to the school’s attention. Finally, you should meet with the school throughout the process, not just once, until there is a resolution.

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Beech Acres, Bullying

Listen To Your Child If They Tell You They Have Experienced Bullying.

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Listen. 28% of U.S. students in grades 6-12 experience bullying. Listening to your child is an important step in addressing and possibly preventing bullying. Listen with empathy and give your child your undivided attention. Offer reassurance, acknowledge the situation, and assure them you are taking them seriously. Ask your child how they see you helping the situation. This gives them some control over something they feel they have no control over. Try saying something like this: “I cannot imagine how difficult it is to worry about what they might say or do next. I have an idea about how I will take action, but I’d like to hear from you about what you would like for me to do”. By taking this approach you are modeling how to stand up for yourself in a proactive and confident way. Dealing with a bully is a delicate and difficult situation for your daughter or son. Simply listening to them is a great way to begin to empower them to address the problem. Although 25% of teens report being bullied, there are more that will not disclose out of fear or shame. Younger children do not always recognize this dominating behavior as bullying and may not report it as such. If your child tells you they are being bullied, start by letting them know you are glad they came to you. Then assure them that you take it seriously. You can start by actively listening to their concerns. Ask lots of questions, but without judgment. It is important to make them feel safe talking to you. Finally, offer reassurance that you have heard their concerns and that you take it seriously. NSP™ Tip: Actively listen, take them seriously, ask lots of questions and offer reassurance. If you need assistance, we are here to help with this and other parenting challenges. Call 513.231.6630 to learn more.

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Bullying

Help! My Child Might Be A CyberBully!

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You recently discovered some inappropriate, mean, or hurtful comments directed at another child on your daughter or son’s phone. Is my kid a cyberbully? Cyberbullying, a form of bullying or harassment using digital means of contact such as texts, email, or social media, is a growing concern for parents. The influence of technology on our culture has never been greater. Kids are using digital devices at an earlier age and are spending much more time in front of them. The ubiquitous use of digital technologies has made them an easy platform for bullying to thrive. According to Stopbullying.org, 15% of all U.S. high school students were cyberbullied last year. Sadly, that number is dramatically higher, a staggering 55%, among LGBTQ students. We’ve been exploring ways to address bullying when your child is the victim, but what if your child is the bully? First, take a few moments to collect your thoughts. Make sure you are prepared to intentionally approach the subject with your child. When you feel you are ready to address this issue here are some things to ask if you have discovered inappropriate treatment of another child on one of your kid’s devices. Ask your child if she knows what can happen to kids that are cyberbullied. Let them know that kids who are bullied can become depressed, anxious, or worse. Ask your child what her intention was. What were they hoping to accomplish? Ask your child what the other child did to prompt their behavior.  Ask your child how else they can manage his or her feelings towards other children in acceptable ways. Ask your child how they would feel if they were treated similarly online. Ask them what it must be like for the child they mistreated to tell their parents what happened. Listening to your child and understanding their behavior and their motivations are key to addressing this issue. Working through intention and consequences can lead to better decision making in the future.  NSP™ Tip: Asking powerful questions is an easy way to help provide some perspective for your child.

Photo of a child's hand writing I Am Being Bullied on a notepad
Beech Acres, Bullying, Natural Strength Parenting™

Is My Child Being Bullied? Here’s How You Can Identify Potential Signs Of Bullying

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Sometimes it may not be obvious that your child is being bullied and if they are, they may not be ready to tell you about it. That’s OK. Here are a few things you can look for that may indicate your child is being bullied along with some quick tips based on Natural Strength Parenting™. Torn or Ripped Clothing One sign that your child may be experiencing physical bullying is torn or ripped clothing. If your child comes home from school with a tear in their favorite hoodie or ripped jeans be sure to ask what happened. This is a good way to start the conversation and to let them know you care. NSP™ Tip: Being fully present and engaged in these conversations may help your child feel more comfortable and thus more likely to open up to you. Damaged Property If your daughter or son bring any of their personal items home from school damaged, it could be a sign they are being bullied. Broken tablets or laptops, damaged backpacks, ripped folders or paper and shattered or missing cell phones can all indicate something is wrong. Make sure you ask questions, especially if you notice multiple or repeated damage to personal items. You can allow them the opportunity to discuss what is happening and start to move forward by asking a few simple questions. “I notice your backpack is looking a little beat up. I know you love that backpack, is there anything you’d like to discuss before dinner?” NSP™ Tip: Providing the opportunity to clear something up can encourage your child to discuss the issue and start to move forward. Unexplained Cuts, Bruises, and Scratches It is important to be aware of any physical injuries your child comes home with. The occasional skinned knee or elbow is to be expected, but any physical symptoms should be addressed right away. When asking what happened, look for details and make sure to offer reassurance. If your child is being harmed physically it is a very serious manner and may be difficult for them to bring up with you. NSP™ Tip: If your child is hurt try a quiet, mindful moment with them to calm them down. Even just a few slow, deep breaths can help quiet their mind and have a calming effect. Changes in Attitude or Behavior Watch for changes in attitude towards school, sports, or other activities. Difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite or other noticeable changes in their behavior can all be signs that something is wrong. If your child is being bullied and they do not know how to deal with it, it can affect their mood. Be aware of any changes that you notice and take the opportunity to sit down and talk with them. Sometimes just taking time to ask the right questions can make a big difference. NSP™ Tip: Take a moment to recognize or celebrate a good grade on a test, a strong effort in a game, or a kind act you’ve seen them do recently. Offering affirmation to your daughter or son can help them focus on something positive.

Photo of a child sitting alone at lunch
Beech Acres, Bullying

October is National Bullying Prevention Month

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Did you know more than one out of every five students report being bullied? October is National Bullying Prevention Month. All month long we will be sharing information from our parenting experts on how to navigate this difficult and unfortunate aspect of growing up. Topics we’ll explore include: How to identify potential signs that your child is being bullied How to listen to your child when they tell you they are being bullied Strategies to address bullying How to approach the subject with your child’s teachers Cyberbullying Bullying is a serious concern for children and parents everywhere. It can affect your child’s mood, self-confidence, and academic performance. Being proactive can help identify, prevent, or stop bullying. Make sure to bookmark our blog, sign up for our parenting newsletter, and join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.

Photo of a child preparing to go back to school as her mom packs her backpack
Back To School, Beech Acres, Parenting Tips

Tips To Get Your Family Back Into A School Routine

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Back to School, Back to Routine Now that school is back in session and the summer is winding down, are you having trouble getting your family back into a routine? The transition from a lazy summer of riding bikes, lounging by the pool, playing video games, and hanging out with friends to a busy school schedule full of homework, practices, and early mornings can be a tough one. Here are some tips to help get your family back on track. Use Mindfulness To Ease Back to School Anxiety The realization that school is about to begin often hits children when they make that first trip to get school supplies. For children that are anxious about returning to school, this event may have triggered some of those feelings. This might have been the first time you noticed them behaving differently. Perhaps they’re more quiet than usual or they display bigger or different emotions than they typically do. While this may make you feel anxious as well, you can this as an opportunity to help your child grow into a resourceful and confident student. It is important to take your child’s feelings seriously. Normalize uncertainty and anxiety so they do not feel alone.  Showing empathy for whatever it is that is troubling them gives them the space they need to sort their feelings out. You do not want them to struggle with whatever it is they are feeling and thinking their feelings are not warranted. Experiment with different mindful activities to help them relax. You might try a body scan with them so they can identify where they noticing the anxious feelings in their bodies. Deep breathing can easily be done anywhere and anytime. Here is an exercise you can download and use anytime! Practicing some simple yoga moves before going to bed or when they wake can also help them feel less anxious. Get Playfully Curious During Your Morning Routine If your routine during the summer has been anything but, settling back into one can be unnerving for the entire family. Discuss with your child in advance what mornings will look like and get their input where appropriate. Get curious with them about what reminders they may need to stay on schedule. Be creative! Posters, love notes, a personalized bus schedule, and colorful handmade calendars can all help. Even if there are lots of things to do in the morning to get everyone out the door, it can be a time where you are playful.  “Last one out the door has to walk to the car on one foot!” Morning can also be a great time for everyone to set one intention for the day and will provide a great way to check in later in the evening. Strength Spotting Can Help With Homework Few children are excited about doing homework. Knowing your child’s temperament and what they need to focus on can influence your child’s success. For example, do they need quiet? Do they work better with others around? How do they need you to be present? How long can they sit before they get antsy? Do they need shorter breaks more often or can they sit still and get it done in one stretch? A great way to offer encouragement is to strength-spot them. “Your strength of Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence is what helps you do your best. I am proud to see you are using it to do such a great job on your science project”.  If you notice your kids having a little too much fun when they are working on their homework, help them refocus; “I love your zest and humor, but let’s try to use a little bit of your self-regulation right now.” Plan for something fun today after homework is complete.  Healthy snacks are a great way for your child to keep their energy level up. Be Intentional During Your Evening Routine A consistent evening routine is just as important as morning routines. Be intentional in winding down so your children can ease into the transition of going to sleep. If there are things to do for the next day (picking out clothes, getting their backpack ready, preparing and packing their lunch), try not to do that right before bedtime. It’s important to make time for the things that help them to relax; perhaps a mindful activity like the body scan, deep breathing or a warm calming soak in the tub. Evenings are a great time to read together to encourage curiosity and a love of learning. Parents that are fully present for this part of their child’s day can more easily wind down from their day as well. Sometimes some snuggling is what some children need to transition from their busy day to a good night’s sleep.        

White graphic with a maroon icon of three people with hearts for bodies and "Social Intelligence (Friendship)" written below it
Back To School, Natural Strength Parenting™, Parenting Tips, Strengths

Developing the Strength of Social Intelligence

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By Guest Blogger Jaimi Cabrera, Director of New Business Development at Beech Acres Parenting Center While preparing for Back to School with my daughter for the first time, as she begins Kindergarten in a few days, I have Beech Acres Parenting Center unique approach to parenting on my mind, Natural Strength Parenting™ and the specific tools of Intentional, Strength-Based and Mindful that may be helpful. Specifically, I am thinking Strength-Based and the Character Strength of Social Intelligence(Friendship) and how important that this strength is to help our daughter form healthy relationships with the other children in her classroom.  Honestly, no matter what age your child is, this strength is important and can often be overlooked……thinking that other strengths or academic areas were more important. Research shows that Social Intelligence is one of the early emerging strengths that can be formed during early childhood.  It is very important for parents and other adults in a child’s life to help teach them this strength.  Our children need help and support to learn how to make friends and keep friends.  Children who use their strength of Social Intelligence are friendlier and have the skills to form healthy, age-appropriate relationships.  For example, they have the skills to introduce their self to “new” friends and engage in appropriate conversations with other children on the playground or during lunchtime without prompting.   These children have good interpersonal skills and are able to notice other children who are feeling sad or scared and are able to provide a comforting smile or invite them to join them at their table at lunch or a game at recess. The strength of Social Intelligence can help decrease the likelihood of bullying or other negative peer behaviors.  Social Intelligence can help create a positive school culture and community where all “children” are welcome and able to utilize their own strengths.  The key to instilling Social Intelligence in our children is to model the strength for them and give them opportunities to practice the strength at home and other social opportunities. One way to help your child practice using their strength of Social Intelligence is to first give them the definition; Getting along with others, being a friend those can count on.  Then provide the opportunity for your child to practice these skills at home with you and your family is a great place to start.  When you see them using this Strength in action, spot it by saying “Hannah, thank you for being such a nice friend, and using your strength of Social Intelligence, by asking your sister to play Candy Land.” Parenting is a journey and no one is perfect at it!  As you prepare for the transition Back to School, I invite you to practice the strength of Social Intelligence with your child……just as I will this week and throughout the year with my daughter!  

Photo of a family bill of rights document
Beech Acres, Natural Strength Parenting™

Family Bill of Rights

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Today is Constitution Day, a celebration of the ratification of the Constitution of the United States of America. On this day in 1787, all of the delegates of the constitutional congress met for the final time to sign the Constitution. While the Bill of Rights would not come for a few years after you can have fun with your family by downloading and completing a Family Bill of Rights. What is most important to your family? How do the members of your family expect to be treated and how should they treat one another? What would your family’s Constitution say? Discuss your family’s values and lean into your family’s strengths when coming up with your unique Bill of Rights. Download your form and get started here. When your finished be sure to snap a photo and share on our Facebook page!

Beech Acres

The Spirit of Construction Foundation’s Outreach Program At Sayler Park School

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“I loved this project!” – Cameron, 7th Grader at Sayler Park Strategic partnerships are critical to building stronger communities. These collaborations enable Beech Acres Parenting Center to reach even more individuals with our mission. Recently, Beech Acres partnered with The Spirit of Construction Foundation, Allied Construction Industries, and Pipe Fitters Local 392 to bring a special construction related project to students and families at Sayler Park School. “Applied Mathematics in Construction” is part of The Spirit of Construction Foundation’s Outreach program. Thanks to The Spirit of Construction Foundation, fifty students at Sayler Park were able to participate in the project. This year, students worked with volunteers from Allied Construction Industries and Pipe Fitters Local 392 to learn the skills to build a PVC chair. This exciting project spanned 6 weeks and included two review sessions and four weekly, hands-on build sessions. Outreach programs like “Applied Mathematics in Construction” are important in connecting tangible, real-world applications to school curriculums. Students are able to see how the skills they are learning in the classroom can apply directly to skills they can use in a real-world career. Beech Acres presence at Sayler Park allowed this connection of the community and the school to extend to parents as well, reinforcing and strengthening an important connection that is critical to student success. Staff at Sayler Park School and Leah Dickman, Beech Acres on-site Therapeutic Service Provider reported increased student engagement among those that participated. Over half of the participating students reported that the project helped them with fractions and 100% of them said they were “confident or very confident with measuring”. “This project helped me understand fractions because we worked with them a lot.” Kayley, 8th Grader at Sayler Park  Our sincere gratitude goes to Lydia Burns and Anne Mitchell from The Spirit of Construction Foundation and Allied Construction Industries for funding and support of this program. Additional thanks to volunteers from Pipe Fitters Local 392 Jerry Cack, Steve Belosky, and Jim Higgins for bringing this project to life at the school. And of course, thank you to principal Jaimie Sowders and mathematics instructor Brandi Henderson at Sayler Park for welcoming this program into their building and providing additional complimentary opportunities to their students. Links: Home http://www.aci-construction.org https://www.local392.com https://saylerpark.cps-k12.org Home

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