The Latest in Youth Issues
Learning from Mistakes
Learning from Mistakes Helping Kids See the Good Side of Getting Things Wrong Learning from mistakes and errors is an important part of child and adolescent development. Most adults understand this concept. Yet, we have failed to teach our children that there is a positive side to getting things wrong. Many children grow up in a society that pressures them…
Read Full Article
A Formula for Healthy Coping Strategies
A Formula for Healthy Coping Strategies Written by Kate Bartlein, author of Felix and the Feelings Formulas Perhaps you are familiar with “coping strategies” or “coping skills,” but what exactly are they? Coping strategies are our thoughts and behaviors in response to a big emotion or challenging situation. They can look and sound different for each person. One person may…
Read Full Article
Helping Kids When They Worry
Helping Kids When They Worry Adults can help kids and teens face new things without letting worry hold them back. As kids grow, they face many new things. Starting school. Meeting new friends. Learning to swim. Competing in sports. Learning to drive. Each new thing can feel like a big step forward. When kids and teens face new things, they…
Read Full Article
How to Help Kids Overcome Fear of Failure
How to Help Kids Overcome Fear of Failure According to the research on failure, students may need more than just grit to succeed. A couple of weeks ago, a New York Times op-ed asked the question, “Are kids too coddled?” In other words, shouldn’t we let them fail once in awhile so they develop some backbone? Or don’t they just…
Read Full Article
Hello, Anger
Hello, Anger By: Jessica Sinarski Anger is everywhere. From a brain perspective, it makes sense. Stress has been high these past couple of years. Our brains and bodies don’t automatically recognize the difference between physical danger and feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or anxious. Maybe that’s why signs like this have been popping up, a gentle reminder not to let our…
Read Full Article
The Unseen Work of a Teacher
The Unseen Work of a Teacher A few years ago I heard a call-in radio show honoring teachers. A Michigan man with a slight Arab accent told a story I can’t forget. In the 1970s, when he was in elementary, his family moved from Iraq to Michigan. Can. You. Imagine? One day at school his teacher had pulled down…
Read Full Article
Spring into Action with these 7 Acts of Kindness
Spring into Action with these 7 Acts of Kindness It’s the end of March, which means it’s springtime and what better time to spring into action with acts of kindness. Savvy Aunties can help our nieces and nephews give back with these simple and fun activities. 1. Plant It! Offer to plant a flower or vegetable garden for an…
Read Full Article
Ways to Show School Counselors Appreciation
Ways to Show School Counselors Appreciation During National School Counseling Week, take the time to let your school counselor know how much they are appreciated. School counselors play important roles in school districts, allowing students to resolve issues they face at home or in the classroom. Given the challenges students may encounter in a remote or hybrid learning environment,…
Read Full Article
A De-escalation Exercise for Upset Students
A De-escalation Exercise for Upset Students A simple technique that takes just a few minutes can help an agitated student regain the state of mind needed for learning. So often we find students in a stressed or anxious state of mind. The most telltale signs are inappropriate behaviors or outbursts, negative comments, and anxiety-ridden movements such as fidgeting, leg…
Read Full Article
Six Ways to Find Your Courage During Challenging Times
Six Ways to Find Your Courage During Challenging Times “We teach who we are,” says educational philosopher Parker Palmer. Early in my teaching career, I participated in a series of retreats led by the Center for Courage and Renewal, inspired by Palmer’s book The Courage to Teach. Palmer reminds us that our sense of self plays out in our…
Read Full Article
Holiday Blues Can Hit Kids, Too
Holiday Blues Can Hit Kids, Too Here’s how to help them cope The weeks leading up to New Year’s can be magical for a child, with all the holiday celebrations and family memories. But it’s a time that can also bring feelings of disappointment, sadness and loss — the holiday blues — just like for some adults each year….
Read Full Article
December Global Holidays: A Month of Multicultural Holiday Celebrations
December Global Holidays: A Month of Multicultural Holiday Celebrations Do your students celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or Three Kings Day? Maybe they celebrate St. Lucia Day. Chances are your class includes students who observe more than one of those events. Whether that is the case or not, December offers great opportunities for teaching about our multicultural world. Included: Handfuls…