Parent and Family Newsletters
Building bridges between home, school and community
to promote student success for all families of Jenison Public Schools
to promote student success for all families of Jenison Public Schools
Join us for a FREE SCREENING of Resilience When: January 31 at 6:00 PM Where: Pinewood Elementary School Who: Any adult who cares about children Why: "Resilience: The Biology of Stress and the Science of Hope" delves into the science of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the birth of a new movement to treat and prevent toxic stress. Now understood to be one of the leading causes of everything from heart disease and cancer to substance abuse and depression, extremely stressful experiences in childhood can alter brain development and have lifelong effects on health and behavior. …After the screening, attendees are invited to join a thoughtful discussion about the film and develop practical action steps that can be taken back to their respective practices. The film is ideal viewing for educators, administrators, health-care staff, parents, social workers, mentors, social justice advocates and anyone interested in the well-being of children. Childcare is provided if you register ahead here, or below. Snacks will be provided, but not a full meal. How do families build resilience?When children are raised in loving and caring environments, they are more prepared for the future. Every family experiences challenges and stress from time to time, so all parents need help to raise children to their fullest potential and reduce the likelihood of child maltreatment. Even when different families face similar struggles, some cope better than others. There are many reasons why families handle stress differently, but one has to do with protective factors. Protective factors are characteristics that promote optimal development by helping families succeed and thrive, even in the face of risks and challenges. Following are five protective factors that, when present, increase the overall well-being of children and families:
What Can the Parents and Caregivers Do to Support and Strengthen Families? There are many ways parents and caregivers can help support and strengthen all five protective factors in their own family and those around them. Concrete Support in Times of Need Join parent groups. Invite other parents to attend with you. Seek help and resources when you need them. It will help strengthen your family and improve child well-being. Volunteer to serve as a mentor for families in need in your school, church, or community. Parental Resilience Remember you are one of your children’s most important role models. Find healthy ways to handle feelings and impulses. Build and maintain close relationships with family, friends, and other sources of support. Have confidence in your strengths and abilities. Find a trusted caregiver and take time for yourself from time to time. This is especially important if you are a single parent. See yourself as resilient (rather than as a victim). Find healthy ways to deal with stress; avoiding harmful coping strategies, such as substance abuse. Look for positive meaning in your life despite difficult or traumatic events. Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development Ask questions or share concerns – contact your child’s caregiver, teacher, pediatrician, or others who can help answer questions and ease your mind. Attend parent education classes. This will help you learn more about typical child development so you have realistic expectations for your children. Sit and observe your children trying various tasks. See what they can and cannot do. Children’s Social and Emotional Competence Be supportive and understanding – provide encouragement and help them feel valued. Joke and laugh with children. Provide unconditional support. Be willing to apologize and admit mistakes. Provide regular routines for children. Ask what makes them feel happy and sad. Be involved in your children’s school – it will increase your social connections and help your children see that you value education. Social Connections Participate in family activities in your children’s school, neighborhood, or community. Fathers, grandparents, and extended family are also encouraged to participate. Build more social connections by helping plan these events. Participate in support groups with other parents and families who have similar interests, concerns, and/or needs. Encourage your employer, school, church, and other community groups to offer family-friendly activities. https://ctf4kids.org/about-prevention/protective-factors-training/ parent learning, leadership and supportJoin our Parent Coalition group! We are a small group of parents who meet to discuss topics such as resilience, self care, screen use, positive discipline and more. We meet the 2nd Monday of each month at 5:30 at Pinewood Elementary. A meal and childcare are provided. If you'd like to join us, contact Angela at [email protected] Area eventsHere are a couple events at Georgetown library. Check their website for more! GR Kids lists tons of events every day. Here is just a sample for Saturday, 1/26.
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