05/15/20 MLSD Update
~MLSD is committed to keep us together and our bonds strong~
Dear MLSD Families,
We are so very appreciative of the shared connections, shout outs, and support. As we all (students, parents, teachers, etc.) continue to work through this unique situation, communication and feedback are critical to ensure we meet the needs of students and families. Please contact your child’s school or email covid19@mlsd.org for anything you need. We are here for you and your children.
Join Dr. Ross Greene for a FREE fireside chat on May 21st
Social Emotional Learning Skill Focus of the Week: Being Kind and Firm
Being kind and firm
It was all going so well – your children were having fun, feeling loved and happy – but whoops, dishes were left on the couch, chores are undone, and someone just said something really rude to Gramma. Did you let your boundaries or family agreements slip? Sometimes it seems like we are on a perpetual teeter totter trying to balance being kind and firm.
We want our kids to have fun, feel cared about and be happy, so we are kind until it feels like they are getting out of control and a little bit crazy …and then we desperately need them to follow the rules, be respectful, and do their work, so we get firm. The back and forth is exhausting!
In the words of Positive Discipline, we talk about "getting out of the dance.”
Starting with yourself, do what it takes to steady yourself and return to calm. Try some of these activities - https://www.sounddiscipline.org/self-regulation-toolkit-cards/ - or do another activity you know helps you self-regulate, like stepping outside and going for a walk . Once you are calm, try the below suggestions for modeling firmness and kindness.
Model Firmness:
“I” Statements: Say what you need and make requests, starting with “I”. You might say, “I need you to clean up your art supplies,” rather than “you need to clean up your art supplies.”
‘Connect Before Correct’: Connect with your child by crouching down to their level, and using a touch, your eyes, or making a guess at how they are feeling. Connecting sends the message “I see you, I value you.” After connecting, offer correction or direction. You might say, “Wow. I think that is the biggest tower I have seen you build! How did you get it so high? It is 5:00 now. What has to happen before dinner? Yes, you are right…clean up time!”
Model Kindness:
Help a neighbor: Write a thank you note. Give compliments. Make a donation. Acts of kindness demonstrate four our kids and give them a chance to practice what it means to be kind.
Be kind to yourself: What one thing can you do each day just for you? Prioritize that and make it happen– just like you would prioritize an activity for your child. It is a great model for your kids and will allow you to show up as your best self.
Spend 15 minutes of scheduled one-on-one time every day: Children need to feel a sense of deep connection with parents and caregivers, especially now. Find a time and a place where you can fully engage in play or conversation led by your child. Let your child guide what you do together. Try it for 10 days in a row and see what happens!
Kindness & Firmness Activities
The importance of AND: Try these phrases when you need to be firm with your children:
· I love you, AND the answer is NO.
· I know you don’t want to stop playing Minecraft, AND it is time for ______________ .
- I know you would rather watch TV than do your homework, AND homework needs to be done first.
- You don’t want to brush your teeth, AND we’ll do it together. Want to race?
- I know you don’t want to mow the lawn, AND what was our agreement?
- You don’t want to go to bed, AND it is bedtime. Do you want one story or two stories as soon as your jammies are on?
Adapted from https://www.positivediscipline.com/articles/kind-and-firm-parenting
Helping Your Tween Learn Healthy Dating Habits on Tuesday, May 19th from 6 pm - 8 pm.
In partnership with YWCA of Spokane, we are offering a workshop focusing on Helping Your Tween Learn Healthy Dating Habits on Tuesday, May 19th from 6 pm - 8 pm.
"In this virtual workshop participants will learn:
- Conversation starters and strategies to talk with your tween as they begin to form their first dating relationships.
- To recognize the warning signs of unhealthy relationships and how to guide your tween to healthy relationship habits.
This workshop is geared towards adults caring for middle-school-age children, but caregivers of children of all ages welcome to attend.
This workshop is free and registration is required. (An email address must be provided when registering in order to receive Zoom login information.)
Please notes that participants will need a computer with a microphone or a smartphone for this program."
Register for Helping Your Tween Learn Healthy Dating Habits at: https://scld.evanced.info/signup/EventDetails?EventId=72101&backTo=Calendar&startDate=2020/05/01
What is the truth about the adolescent brain?
Brief Tips for Maintaining Continuity while at Home
Need Support?
Should you find that someone in your family would benefit from wellness services or information pertaining to emotional, psychological and social well-being in the weeks to come, please connect with one or all of the resources noted below:
For tips on building resilience during this time: https://www.apa.org/topics/resilience
For free emotional support https://www.7cups.com/
Check our MIND Your Health page at MLSD.org
Email your school counselor
Email Suzanne Greenhall, MLSD Family Therapist & Mental Health Coordinator @ sgreenhall@mlsd.org
Email Tawni Barlow, Director of Student Services @ tbarlow@mlsd.org
As a reference, and should you find yourself, family member or friend in need of assistance as a result of extreme distress, please contact one of the community services noted below.
911
Sacred Heart ER – Psych Triage: 509.474.3131
Suicide Prevention Helpline: 1.877.266.1818
First Call for Help (Frontier Behavioral Health): 509.838.4428
Washington Recovery Hotline: 866.789.1511
On behalf of the entire MLSD Wellness Team, we wish you, your loved ones and friends, good health!
Medical Lake School District
Website: mlsd.org
Location: 116 3rd Street, Medical Lake, WA, USA
Phone: (509) 565-3100