Back In Session: Re-Engaging with My Blog, My Career, and Your Family

Hello!

When the school year ended in May, I took a much needed three-month break. My intention was to maintain a consistent blogging schedule through the summer, however, family time became the priority. My husband took his baby bonding and we took that time to travel across states, allowing our son to bond with family. When we returned home, all of my time went into prepping for our son's birthday, and I relished the opportunity to prioritize my health and begin the job search for my new career.

Now, I'm embarking on a new chapter! After completing my Master's degree in Counseling, passing the Praxis, and earning my credential, I'm starting my first year as a school counselor. The job hunt was intense, but I'm incredibly excited to be joining a school community that I'm already familiar with and that believes in me to accomplish their vision. This career is a great opportunity for me to use my education and experience to continue my journey in strengthening parent-child relationships. Based on my studies and years of working with families directly, I'm sharing my top 5 tips to help parents navigate the challenges of the school year and connect with their children.

5 Keys to Connection

1. Talk Everyday: Creating a consistent habit of daily conversations, even a simple "How was your day?", can make a world of difference. These conversations are a window into your child's world, revealing details about their friends, their teachers, and what they're learning. More importantly, it allows you to detect patterns: Are they struggling with a friendship? Are they feeling challenged in class? Are they experiencing any form of bullying? Daily check-ins create awareness that will help you stay connected and supportive.

   
   

2. Tell Them You Love Them: One of the most heartbreaking things I heard from middle schoolers during my internship was their feeling of not being loved by their parents. Middle school is a rollercoaster of physical and emotional changes, and it's also a time when parents naturally start to give their kids more independence and responsibilities. However, these changes can easily be misinterpreted by middle schoolers as a sign that they are no longer loved or valued. Combat this by consistently showing and telling your child they are loved, even when they push you away. This intentional connection is crucial during this sensitive stage.

   
   

3. Be Patient: Whether you're helping with homework, listening to stories about their day, or cheering them on at sporting events, remember the power of patience. Impatience can lead to quick assumptions and reactions that may not be well-received, potentially damaging your connection. Remember that your child is constantly learning and growing, and mistakes are a natural part of the process. By showing grace and patience, you create a safe haven where they feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings, fostering open communication and trust.

   
   

4. Ask Clarifying Questions: The foundation of a strong parent-child relationship is effective communication, and a core element of that is gathering correct information. It's easy to jump to conclusions based on secondhand accounts or dismissing our child's perspective, so let's take a deep breathe and remember the goal is to stay connected. When faced with a situation you don't fully understand, always seek clarification directly from the source. As children grow and become more adept at shaping narratives, it's crucial to gather all the necessary details to make informed decisions. This means reaching out to teachers, principals, or anyone involved to gain a complete picture.

   
   

5. Be Present: I know that work-life balance can be tough, and attending all school events may not be feasible for every family. But don't let that deter you from making an effort to connect! Instead of feeling guilty about what you can't attend, communicate with your child and intentionally focus on what you can do. Showing up once to these events is better than not showing up at all as it shows your level of commitment. Whether it's helping with homework, showing to after school activities, or sending them little notes during lunch, everything counts!

BONUS: A strong partnership with your child's teacher starts with you. Open and consistent communication is a two-way street, and initiating that connection often falls to the parent. While teachers juggle the needs of up to 30 students at a time, consistent communication can make a lasting impression. Teachers will remember parents who invest in their students' education and support their work.

As you navigate this school year, remember that you're not doing it alone. You have a support network in place full of family, friends, and the entire school staff; all working together to help your child succeed and thrive. Embrace this support, lean on those around you, and make this an incredible year!