Parents Take Steps To Resolve Conflict

It's hard to hear from another parent that your child has hurt their child's feelings. Your first instinct is to defend your child's behavior and think that it's their child's issue. However, if you want to truly help your child learn pro social behavior, then think about these steps:
(1) Listen to what the other parent has to say about your child's actions or behavior.
(2) Thank the parent for contacting you and let them know that you will talk with your child and contact
      them the very next day.
(3) Ask your child to explain his/her behavior.
(4) Make a plan with your child to alter their behavior around the other child as to not hurt their feelings.
(5) Call the parent when you said you would and let them know the steps you have taken to
     help their child feel better.
(6) FOLLOW-UP with your child.
(7) FOLLOW-UP with the parent to ask if their child is feeling better.
These simple steps will help your child's social and emotional behavior at school and beyond, as well as help your relationships with the parents of other children.

Bullying Prevention Awareness Month!

I often wonder why October is Bullying Prevention Awareness Month. Perhaps it's because most children are settled into a school routine by October and are in the process of navigating the seas of new and old friendships. I strongly believe this month is critical for your child. Parents need to take hold of the helm this month to help prevent bullying from occurring throughout the school year.  If you observe changes in the behavior of your child or another child that could potentially hurt the feelings of another, then say something now. Let your child know that you are aware of the change and how it may effect another. If you are not aware of any behavioral changes, then it's time to talk with your child about how to prevent bullying and just as important, how to help someone out who may be the victim of bullying this school year. This is the month to stay alert of changes in behavior and to talk about bullying so your child and other children will have a bully-free school year. Happy Bullying Prevention Awareness Month!