Back-To-School Supplies!

Parents, guardians and children are gearing up for the start of another school year! Many of us are thinking about school supplies, clothes, shoes and other necessities that our children need before day one. As a counselor, social worker, author of a bully-prevention book and most important, a parent of two children in elementary and middle school, I am also thinking of a necessity that is not on the school supply or school clothing list and can not be purchased; the need to an open and consistant dialogue with my children throughout the school year. According to the book, Child Development, Davis(2004) suggests that "consistent and open dialogue between parents and their children on specific social interests and concerns help improve communications and help children with resilience issues and self-esteem". I am aware that my children will witness bullying behavior, mean-girl behavior, teasing and other behaviors that will make them feel uncomfortable or make others feel uncomfortable this school year. According to SAMHSA(2006), "victimization due to bullying may result in absenteeism, social exclusion, lower academic achievement and internalizing problems such as depression, anxiety, and lower psychosocial adjustments". I strongly believe that there is truth in what Davis suggests and the SAMHSA research. Therefore, high on my list of necessary school supplies is an open and consistent dialogue with my children. My hope is that all parents and guardians practice listening and maintaining an open, consistent dialogue with their children in order to reduce the harm to our children from bullying behavior and increase their self-esteem.