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Parenting Tips

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Back To School

Start the School Year Off Right with These Back to School Tips from our Parenting Experts

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Want to be prepared to navigate back to school easily? Schedule a session with one of our Parent Connext® Parenting Specialists. It’s Back to School Time! Are You Ready? It’s back to school time, which means change and new routines! Children – and parents – have many different feelings happen this time of year: excitement, worry, dread, cheer, exhaustion, and relief, to name just a few. We all get stressed during transitions – you are not alone! Here are some tips and tricks from our parenting experts to help ease everyone into their new routines. Get Organized! Be proactive and get organized before the school year starts. Start moving from summer sleep schedules to school sleep schedules two weeks before the first day. Create and communicate expectations that you want to enforce from the get-go. Having backpacks ready the night before, as well as an outfit picked out, can make the morning flow much more smoothly. To help your child remember, display pictures of tasks (or post-its/checklists) at eye level. Start with a few tasks and gradually add more overtime to promote independence without overwhelming your child. Schedule Downtime Schedule some downtime. Most families will adjust to the new routine before too long – resting when adapting to something new help keep everyone at their best. Even if you are super excited to hear every detail of your child’s school day, it may be the last thing your child wants to discuss. Don’t take it personally! You can check in, but also give some space. When big emotions do arise, try to stay calm and empathize with the stress your child could be feeling. Don’t Forget to Remain Positive Make the most of it! Mistakes can be made into learning opportunities. Expect there will be ups and downs. The more you can focus on the ups; the more energized you and your family will feel. Call out the small wins, share the strengths you see in your family and yourself, and celebrate all that is going well. This will build confidence and help your family’s mindset about conquering the back-to-school moods. Related Activities Here are some related activities to help you navigate the start of the new school year. Download for FREE! Back to School Quick Tips Character Strength Coins Feelings Thermometer Loving Language Wheels of Feelings Tip of the Iceberg

Photo of a young girl typing on a computer keyboard while looking at a computer screen
ADHD, COVID-19

Remote Learning Tips for Students With ADHD

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NEW! Learn more about ADHD with this five-day text-based course. Parenting Tips for Remote Learning for Students with ADHD Children with ADHD need routines in their lives. This routine may be more difficult to maintain during remote learning. However with some simple tips, your student can succeed with distance learning.  Create simple routines throughout the day. Foster independence so you don’t take on the task of being the “homeschool” police. Set up schedule for the right time of day and length of time for learning.  Create a balance of learning and free time to increase motivation based on your child’s age. Use the best tool and resources available to you even if you don’t have any background in teaching.  References  Keeping Kids with ADHD in “Study Mode” by ADDITUDE Magazine Strategy and Support for ADHD & LD Ann Dolan, M. Ed

Graphic of a chalkboard with "RACISM" written in white getting erased by a pink eraser
Parenting Tips, Uncategorized

A Parent’s Guide to Having Critically Important Conversations About Diversity, Racism, and Equality with Your Children An Introduction

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A Parent’s Guide to Having Critically Important Conversations About Diversity, Racism, and Equality with Your Children An Introduction An Introduction By Guest Blogger Cheryl Riley, Team Lead and Senior Therapist, Beech Acres Parenting Center Talking about race is usually difficult and uncomfortable for most people. Talking about race right now, in light of the senseless and tragic deaths of unarmed and defenseless African American men and women simply because they were Black- that’s likely terrifying for a lot of parents. Yet, it is absolutely necessary and urgent that you talk to your children about racism and how to be an antiracist. We are the original teachers and role models of our children. They naturally look up to us and want to be like us. That’s why it’s so important for parents to model the right behaviors and attitudes at home. What you do and say when no one is around, is actually more important than when there is an audience. Parents should start with the very fundamental concept of valuing all human life, regardless of the person’s race or ethnicity, and explain the importance of expressing human dignity, respect, and compassion for each other. From there, make the discussion personal and relatable, by delving into conversations about their friends or perhaps relatives who are people of color. When children can connect racism and how it negatively impacts people of color to someone they know and care about, that takes the conversation to a new level and it’s more impactful. America has a very long and complex history with racism and Black people. It is often said and true, that we must know our past before we can move forward into our future. Author Ibram X. Kendi has several books that do an excellent job of explaining all of this. “Stamped from the Beginning” details the extensive and lingering history of America’s relationship with Black people. Kendi explains that “racist ideas did not arise from ignorance or hatred. They were created to justify and rationalize deeply entrenched discriminatory policies and the nation’s racial inequities.” His book provides the tools and resources to uncover implicit biases and inherent racism. He also just put out a book for much younger children (0-3 y.o.) called, “Antiracist Baby.” Being an ally in the battle to dismantle and eradicate racism, means you have to be willing to do the difficult work of self-reflection and internal examination of your own beliefs about race. It’s not good enough to be “nice to Black people” or “have a Black friend.” Being anti-racist means you do not tolerate racism in any form, whether it’s covert or overt. Kendi has a book for this as well, “How to be an Antiracist.” The Amazon review states, “This is an essential work for anyone who wants to go beyond the awareness of racism to the next step: contributing to the formation of a just and equitable society.” There is no certain age when it’s appropriate to discuss race issues with your children. Parents need to gauge their kids’ maturity and ability to grasp the concept. However, don’t wait until something happens. Get ahead of it and be proactive. Integrate this kind of brave discussion into your everyday lives. The more you talk about race, the more comfortable you and your children will become with the topic, and the more knowledgeable you become, the better allies you will be. We’ll be sharing resources for both Caucasian and African American parents to have these important conversations with their children. Let’s make a difference. Together.

Photo of the male and female anatomy signs mixed together over a tan background
Parenting Tips, Uncategorized

Transgender, Non-Binary, and Gender Fluid Fast Facts for Parents

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Important discussions around gender are happening more and more in today’s families. These discussions are important and can help you support your child if they have questions about gender identity. Here are some fast facts to help you have those discussions. NEW! Sign up for our text message-based course, Understanding and Supporting Transgender Youth. In this course, you’ll be given a brief introduction to who and what the term “transgender” refers to. You’ll also learn ways to support transgender youth while they learn about and express their gender identity. These courses are designed for today’s parents by our parenting experts. Click here to sign up today! Fast Facts on Transgender, Non-Binary, and Gender Fluid First, some definitions to help you understand these terms. Transgender is a broadly used term for persons whose gender expression and identity are different from their sex at birth. According to The Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law, 700,000 people in the United States identify as transgender. While adolescents already face many challenges, transgender youth often struggle with additional challenges and difficulties. Non-Binary individuals don’t feel like one gender or the other. Gender for them is more “fluid” than we’ve traditionally thought it to be. Non-binary gender identity is simply one term that may be used to describe individuals who may experience a gender identity that is neither exclusively male or exclusively female or is in between or even beyond both genders. Non-binary individuals may also identify as gender-fluid, which is a person who does not necessarily identify themselves as having a fixed gender. How Can You Support Your Child? It is critical for parents to be supportive of their children as they discover their gender identity. A recent study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health discovered that the average age that transgender youth notice their gender incongruity is age 8. As these youth head into puberty and adolescence, it is imperative that they have the support they need. LGBTQ youth are at an increased risk of being bullied, In fact, stopbullying.gov reports that over 50% of LGBTQ students in grades 9-12 experienced cyberbullying. Developing their social intelligence, self-confidence, and perseverance can help them navigate difficult situations. The American Academy of Pediatrics released a statement in support of transgender youth in 2017. In this statement, AAP stated: “As pediatricians, we know that transgender children fare much better when they feel supported by their family, school, and the larger community. Shaming children based on their gender identity or expression is harmful to their social-emotional health and may have lifelong consequences. This includes public discourse that de-legitimizes the contributions that transgender individuals make to society.” Parents can support their kids first by listening. This can be difficult territory for your child and you to navigate. Build upon their strengths of bravery and honesty. These are demonstrated in sharing their unique self with others. Being open, honest, and supportive will establish trust with your child. Be careful to not force labels on your child. It is important to respectfully address them using the pronouns they are comfortable with. Letting your child be who they are, helps them define themselves and their own personality. Identify their individual strengths and help them develop those by spotting them, naming them, and encouraging the use of those strengths. As always, seek professional advice if you feel ill-equipped to help your child with this or any issue. When parents learn their child is lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or gender-expansive (LGBTQ+), they may experience a wide variety of emotions. Confusion about their child’s sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or gender expression. Worry about how their child will be treated by others. Concern because they were taught being LGBTQ+ is wrong or even sinful. So, what to do when your child comes out? At Beech Acres Parenting Center we believe the best way to help children is through their parents. You have the strengths you need to raise capable, caring, contributing children and we’re here to help. You can download our Fast Facts on Transgender here. Beech Acres Parenting Center affirms the worth and dignity of all children. We believe that discrimination based on gender identity or expression is damaging to the health of children, families, and society. As the fight for inclusion moves from public restrooms to school locker rooms, Beech Acres unequivocally and emphatically stands in solidarity with transgender youth, and all transgender individuals. Read more… Additional Resources: https://www.cdc.gov/lgbthealth/ transgender.htm https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/publications/how-many-people-lgbt/ https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/06/health/teens-gender-nonconforming-study-trnd/index.html https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/life/parenthood/transgender-nonbinary-youth https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/service/a/adolescent-medicine/programs/transgender Our friends at the Cincinnati Public Library put together this reading list featuring transgender, non-binary, and gender-fluid characters.

Photo of a mother clapping as her daughter washes her hands
COVID-19, Parenting Tips

Talking To Your Kids About Coronavirus

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Talking To Your Kids About Coronavirus Guest Blogger Kerry Brown, Parent Connext Parenting Specialist, Beech Acres Parenting Center Uncertain Times During these uncertain times, it might feel overwhelming to share information about COVID-19 with your children. As parents, we sometimes think we are protecting by not telling them about scary things; as if shielding them will protect them from the bad feelings or discomfort in this stressful time. In reality, our children pick up on far more than we give them credit for. This is why it is important to share information with them but in an age-appropriate manner. Clarify Facts for Your Kids Sharing facts about COVID-19 can be done in a non-threatening way and actually alleviate some misconceptions they may have created in their minds by not telling them. When children hear something they don’t understand, they tend to create a story that makes sense to them. For example, I worked with a 6-year-old patient in the hospital who had edema. When I assessed his understanding of why he was in the hospital, he thought he had a demon in his body. He had heard the word edema said by the medical staff and his parents, but he had no context for that word, so the word that he did have a context for was a demon. Sometimes a child’s interpretation can be far more terrifying than if we had just explained what was going on. Start The Conversation If you have not had a conversation with your child about coronavirus or COVID-19, start with asking what they have heard about why we are staying home, or if they’ve heard the words coronavirus or COVID-19. If so, ask what they know and if they are wondering about anything. If not, start by explaining that it is a disease or illness that can make people feel sick. Coronavirus is very contagious. Contagious means it can spread or be shared between people very easily when we cough or sneeze. For kids, the virus has mostly been mild or not really bad, but it can be harder for older people (like grandma or grandpa) or people who are already sick, so to help keep them healthy and safe, we are staying home to not share or spread germs.   Explain What You CAN Do There are things we can do and ways we can help, and one is by washing our hands a lot and sneeze or cough into our elbows. It’s also important to keep things clean, like doorknobs, faucets, tables, and counters. You can help at home by helping clean and keep your hands clean. You can also help by making cards for family members we aren’t able to see, or writing notes with chalk on the sidewalk to neighbors. We can also write thank you notes for doctors, nurses, grocery store staff, or anyone who still has to go to work to help us stay safe and healthy. Ask your child what they might want to do to help people feel better. Here are some links for great resources on talking with your children: Resources https://beechacres.org/beech-roots/ https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/02/28/809580453/just-for-kids-a-comic-exploring-the-new-coronavirus https://www.facebook.com/tellnowhitelies/videos/234834407639510/UzpfSTEyMDM5ODYxMTc6MTAyMjI3NjE2OTEzMjk5MTY/

Photo of a man sitting on a bench while talking to a young girl
Discipline, Parenting Tips

Keep Your Cool; Approach Discipline From a Teaching Perspective

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Keep Your Cool; Approach Discipline From a Teaching Perspective April is National Child Abuse Awareness Month.  We know that reducing risk factors is the key to prevention. Isolation and financial concerns are two major factors that are increasing anxiety and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic and associated stay-at-home orders. Job loss, illness, grief, and uncertainty are exacerbating the stress we are all feeling. Many of us are not parenting at their best under this heightened pressure. According to a survey of over 500 adults featured in USA Today, 1 in 6 parents have reported spanking or slapping their children during this crisis. How do parents balance stress, patience, and effective discipline during a pandemic? Approach Disciple From a Teaching Perspective First, understand that discipline should be rooted in teaching. Teaching in the moment is intentional and can allow a parent to guide their child’s behavior toward more self-control. Think about the outcome you want from the interaction with your child. A teaching approach empowers children to have alternate options when situations occur and allows them to apply critical thinking. Choose Your Battles Remember that your children are under the same increased stress. These circumstances are just as difficult for them as they are for you. Power struggles are normal and probably are increasing the longer you stay home. Choose your battles. Give your child choices and consequences associated with those choices.  It eliminates the power struggle. Maintain a Routine As parenting specialist Connie Harrison wrote last week, sticking to a routine is important because a routine or schedule is a pattern the brain recognizes and appreciates. Try and stick to your structure because children need a routine. School time, naps, snacks, chores, access to technology, etc. should be on a schedule throughout the day. Children will know what to expect and it can ease their anxiety. Remember though you may need to be a little flexible when needed though to maintain peace. Take a Breath If you feel yourself, losing control, take a deep breath and walk away. Tell your child you need a moment, go into another room. Return when you are calm. This is also can work as a way to model self-calming behavior when children are losing control. Model what you want to see in your children.  They need to see their parents adapting to this “temporary normal” and coping in healthy ways. These “moments” can become a part of your tool-kit that you are using to manage stress. If you need some structure, here is a quick exercise to help you breathe out your stress. “Knowledge is our strongest weapon” in combating the pervasive issue of child abuse, according to the National Children’s Alliance. Reach out for help and know that there are other parents struggling with what to do at the moment when yelling seems easier. Check-in on other parents too.  It’s good to stay connected with one another.  Together we are stronger. If you suspect that others aren’t coping well and a child may be at risk, call your local child protective agency. In most cases, your report will be anonymous, and you may save a child as well as help a parent get back on the right track.

Multi-colored Beech Acres Parenting Center Strength Spotting Certificate
character strengths, COVID-19, Natural Strength Parenting™, Parenting Tips, Parents

Strength Spotting Certificate

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Everyone has their own individual unique strengths inside them (24 to be exact!). While you may be home with your children why not set an intention to spot your kid’s strengths and let them know when you see them using them? This strengths-based approach helps your child build resilience and be more confident. Start by learning more about the 24 character strengths by completing the VIA Character Strengths Survey with your family. Once you know your child’s strengths, take the time to be aware of those strengths and point them out every time you see your child using them. Download and print our Strength Spotting Certificate as an easy way to recognize and celebrate your child’s strengths. Want to learn more about a strengths-based approach to parenting? Visit our website to learn more about Natural Strength Parenting, our unique approach to parenting.

COVID Action Plan BAPC graphic
Activities, COVID-19, Parenting Tips, Parents

COVID-19 Family Action Plan

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Make a COVID-19 Family Action Plan During this unprecedented time of uncertainty during the coronavirus/COVID-19 public health crisis, you may find yourself at home with your kids with plenty of time on your hands. If this is your situation you still have work to do and they still have schoolwork to complete, so let’s make a plan. Download our family action plan and keep your family on track during the next few weeks. Be sure to bookmark our blog, sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Facebook for more daily activities. Family Schedule Keep your family on track during your time at home by building a daily schedule together. Use your strengths of teamwork and fairness to make sure everyone contributes and has time for their individual priorities. Family Intentions You may already have some house rules your family follows regularly. Take this opportunity to revisit those or create some based on your family values and your priorities during this time. Family Goals What would you like to get done over the next few weeks?

Photo of a mom and dad kneeling on the ground with their son and daughter
character strengths, Mindfullness, Natural Strength Parenting™, Parenting Tips, Parents, Strengths

Getting Started With Natural Strength Parenting™

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Getting Started With Natural Strength Parenting NEW! Get started with Natural Strength Parenting™ with this FREE 7-day text course ! “I just can’t do this,” your child sighs in frustration after working on one math problem for a half hour. “Some kids are being mean to me at school,” your child quietly confides to you after coming home with a tear in their favorite hoodie. “I hate you!” Your child shouts as they slam their bedroom door. (They don’t mean it!) Parenting Can Be Challenging! Parenting is the most important (and challenging) job you’ll ever do. Today’s rapidly changing world is creating a lot of stress for families, both parents and children alike. Sometimes it is difficult to find time to really be present with your kids. A New Approach Natural Strength Parenting™ is a unique approach to parenting from Beech Acres Parenting Center. Natural Strength Parenting™ encourages you to be intentional and mindful in your parenting while focusing on your child’s innate strengths. Building on their strengths will increase their confidence, self-esteem, and resilience all of which lead to positive well-being. We promise these skills aren’t hard, and more of your conversations will be about what’s going right vs. what they did wrong! Be Intentional, Focus On Their Strengths, and Be Mindful About Being In The Moment With Them Setting an intention is as simple as asking yourself two questions: 1. Who do YOU want to be as a parent? 2. What kind of person do you want your child to be? Let’s say you set an intention for your daughter to be a strong, independent woman. You can reinforce this intention by making subtle changes in everyday moments. After rushing to pick her up from basketball practice and get home in time for dinner it’s easy to say; “Get in the car! We’re late for dinner.” But imagine what it would look like to mindfully engage with them in the moment. Recall that intention and remember how scared she was to try out for the team. What strength did she use? “Thank you for using your strength of bravery to try out for the basketball team.” Ask a powerful question to get start a meaningful conversation. “What new thing did you learn today that helps you be a better player? I want to hear about it on the way home, but we’ve got to go since we’re running behind today.” See how a small change can make a big difference? Let’s Get Started! Have every member of your family complete the Spotlight on my Strengths Survey. Once you’ve discovered everyone’s innate strengths you can build on those strengths by “spotting” your kids using them every day. Ready For More? Our website has a variety of valuable resources, fun activities, and creative exercises to help you bring Natural Strength Parenting™ to life in your family. Natural Strength Parenting™ is the culmination of over 170 years of parenting experience at Beech Acres Parenting Center. For the first time, intentionality, mindfulness, and character strengths are working together in a fun, seamless framework that can make a big difference for your family. Learn more about Natural Strength Parenting™ by visiting our website or schedule a one- hour Natural Strength Parenting™ coaching session with one of our child development experts. Get started with Natural Strength Parenting today! #NaturalStrengthParenting #ParentPurposefully #ParentMindfully #ParentStrong

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