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Back To School Time Is Here!
Dear Friends,
It's back-to-school time. Have you started your back-to-school shopping yet? Even though my nest is empty and I am retired from managing a school, I can't seem to shake the need to pick up a new box of Crayola markers or peruse the notebook section in Target. There is just something special about a new school year. A fresh start and a new set of crayons feel comfortable and right!
As summer draws to a close, it is typical for the excitement of a new school year to fill the air. Whether your child is entering school for the first time or returning for another year, this transition time brings anticipation and enthusiasm for most of us. Unfortunately, a growing population of students is more anxious than excited to return to school. In this special back-to-school edition of our newsletter, we will look closer into helping children, tweens, and teens prepare to return to school, especially when they feel anxious and unconfident about all the unknowns that naturally come with the first day of school.
Lastly, I am thrilled to introduce my new book, Parenting with A Few "F" words: Get ready to fuel, focus, foster, follow, and forgive your way to a new parenting peace. This labor of love was inspired by and for my clients, and I am humbled to be able to share it with each of you. The book, designed to be practical and easy to use, was originally intended to complement my individual coaching sessions, but it can easily be used independently by parents who want a little guidance on where to start or how to tackle tough issues they may be experiencing. The book is now available to purchase via my website or through email, and I will also have it available for purchase if I visit your school this fall.
It's time to practice going to bed a little earlier and rising to the sound of an alarm clock. The first day of school is just around the corner. Let's prepare for it with a sense of control and readiness!
With a grateful heart,
Jodie Maddox
Parent Coach and Education Consultant.
Parenting With (a few) F Words!
Get ready to fuel, focus, foster, follow, and forgive your way to a new parenting peace. Are you looking for a parenting book with all the answers? Keep looking because this book is more about helping you discover and gain the skills, information, and inspiration you need to be the author of your story and set the course you desire for your family.
By recognizing and relying on your unique strengths, learning to manage the natural stages of child development, and focusing on what is important to you and your family, you can learn to parent your unique child and intentionally create the family you desire.
Prepare to expand your parenting toolbox, build confidence, and strengthen your child’s executive functioning skills. Learn to care for yourself, rely on your God-given strengths, and strategically create the family environment you’ve been dreaming of. To purchase a copy of my new book for $24.95, visit my website under the publications tab to order your copy!
How To Ease Anxiety About Going Back To School
As summer winds down and the new school year approaches, many parents and caregivers face the challenge of helping children who struggle with anxiety make a smooth transition back to the classroom. Understanding and addressing this anxiety is crucial for fostering a positive school experience. Here are some strategies to support anxious children during this period:
1. Establish a Routine - Begin implementing the school-year routine a few weeks before school starts. Gradually adjust bedtimes and wake-up times to match the school schedule. This helps ease the transition and reduces the shock of sudden change.
2. Help children process their thoughts — Ask questions that encourage open communication and allow them to process their fears, feelings, and concerns. Try to stay out of "fix it" mode. Just let kids talk; you don't have to give advice. Listening without judgment or advice is sometimes the most important thing you can do. Affirm their feelings and let them know it’s okay to feel anxious.
3. Visit the School - If possible, arrange a visit before the first day. Walking through the hallways, finding classrooms, and meeting some teaching staff can make the environment feel more familiar and less intimidating.
4. Practice Relaxation Techniques - Teach your child simple relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, visualization, or mindfulness. Teach them when and how to use these tools to help manage anxiety when it arises. Help them learn to cope and reaffirm they can do tough things when you are not around. Help to build their confidence in themselves.
5. Help Students Focus On What They Can Control — Avoid the “unknown parts” of back-to-school time and focus on what they can control, such as shopping for school supplies, labeling supplies, planning lunches, and making a visual schedule for morning and bedtime routines. Teach them how to set their own alarms. Avoid using a phone for their alarm clock, and keep technology out of the bedroom as much as possible.
6. Promote Self-Awareness - Talk about what went well last year. Identify tough situations they powered through. Identify what skills they used to manage the situation and what skills they gained in the process. Help them identify positive self-talk that can promote courage and resilience.
7. Stay Away From Saying Things You Can’t Control - Avoid saying things like, “You are going to love your new school. You are going to make so many new friends. I bet you love your teacher.” You don’t know this, and it might not happen. Focus on helping your child identify their strengths and knowing what to do if they have questions or concerns.
8. Celebrate Small Wins — Acknowledge and celebrate your child’s efforts and progress, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement can build confidence and reduce anxiety over time. Focus on progress, not perfection!
Remember, consistency and routine are key to building confidence and independence. Every child is different, and what works for one may not work for another. By providing a supportive environment and equipping your child with coping strategies, you can help them navigate their anxiety and foster a growth mindset.
Back To School Do’s and Don’ts
If you are a parent needing help navigating back-to-school chaos with a teen or tween who is anxious about returning to school; don't worry, you are not alone. A recent article shared by the Child Mind Institute, written by Dr. Jerry Budrick, did an excellent job passing along current, relevant, usable information for moms and dads of teenagers. Many tips are similar to those I mentioned above, but for tweens and teens, I think it is critical to recognize the added pressure and stress they feel regarding friendships and peer relations. I have summarized the article below for your convenience.
Do get back into a routine. Start making the necessary readjustment to school life before the first day of school. Most teens and tweens will resist falling back into a routine; it is best to start now rather than experience the power struggle later.
Do remember to refuel. A student’s diet and sleep patterns are a major part of their success in school. A well-fed, good sleeper will have a better school day and be more efficient with homework than a kid who’s overtired and starving. It's time to turn the phone in before bedtime and work some protein into the morning routine.
Do talk to your kids about friendships. Now might be the time to change friend groups or explore new relationships. Help them learn how to navigate meeting new people as well as keeping old reliable friendships.
Don’t share your anxieties. Try to stay out of your child’s social life. Sometimes, parents get caught up in friendship issues because they want their children to be happy and learn social skills. Kids don’t need us to “fix” everything. Stay neutral and open to their feelings without trying to fix a problem or judge the people involved. Just listen and be available.
Do have a trial run. For students who struggle with anxiety or who are transitioning to a new school, driving by the building, walking in the building, and getting reacquainted with the smells, sights, and sounds can be very helpful and may lessen “Day One Anxiety". Don’t hesitate to contact the school for a good time to stop by and simply walk through the halls.
Don’t be afraid of setbacks. Let kids ease into school and allow for ups and downs. Accept that your child will have setbacks. This will give them more confidence in the long run.
Do help kids manage their commitments. In the beginning, kids may be eager to get involved and say yes to many activities. However, by October, they can be overwhelmed and feel like they have failed because they are ready to quit. Try tempering your expectations and your child’s eagerness by learning to say no before committing to too many activities. Modeling this in your own life can also help your child practice balance.
Don’t ignore problems. Many schools are fantastic, with talented and caring teachers and administrators. Still, they probably don't have your insight into your child or automatically have the same concerns and knowledge you may have. Follow your gut. Seeking help sooner rather than later is always the best plan of attack.
Summarized from Back To School Do's and Don't, Jerry Bubrick, PhD Child Mind Institute.
Helping Neurodiverse Kids Stay Organized & Productive
Did you know that the vagus nerve is a crucial part of the parasympathetic nervous system, often known as the "rest and digest" mode?
For children, it plays a vital role in regulating their heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, immune response, focus, mood, behavior, and so much more!
When the vagus nerve is functioning optimally, it helps create a sense of calm and relaxation in their bodies. However, sometimes the vagal tone can be low, especially in children dealing with chronic illness or stress. This can lead to a chronic state of "fight or flight," hindering their healing process and overall well-being.
As caregivers, we hold the key to empowering our children with the tools to nurture their gut-brain axis and support their vagus nerve, enabling them to thrive in their journey of well-being. The good thing is that there's a wealth of gentle yet powerful tools to strengthen their vagus nerve and regulate their nervous system. Simple activities like the ones mentioned in the graphic can work wonders!
Parent Coaching
Parent coaching provides parents with comprehensive knowledge about ADHD, anxiety, and other neurodiverse abilities, including symptoms, causes, and effects on behavior. Parents learn easy strategies to help calm emotions and elect change. Sessions provide a strategic yet organic approach to helping parents understand and comprehend their children’s struggles, behaviors, and needs. If your child is neurodiverse, let's connect! I am here to help you empower your child to be the best, feel confident, and know their own strength.
For a free consultation, contact me today at jodiemaddoxicoach@gmail.com
Professional Services for Schools
The benefits of strategic and consistent instructional coaching are a real game changer for new and veteran teachers. Whether you're interested in coaching a specific teacher or a team or you're still trying to plan your professional development schedule for your entire staff, I'm here to help. My services are flexible and available to help you design professional development specific to your community's unique needs and vision.
Professional Services Include:
Instructional Coaching
PLC Team Coaching (Grade Level Teams, Middle School Teams, and Intervention Teams)
Leadership Coaching
Strategic Planning
Group Professional Development Available In:
- Inclusion/Classroom Management
- Data Driven Lesson Planning/Using Pacing Guides
- Differentiated Instruction
- Science of Reading
- Multi-Tiered System of Support Training
- Social Emotional Support and Strategies
- Building Healthy Relationships
- Early Education and Early Literacy
Parent Workshops Offered Over the Following Topics
- Executive Functioning Skills
- Parenting Your Unique Child (Strength-Based Parenting)
- Helping Children Manage Anxiety
- Setting Healthy Boundaries
- The Effects of Technology On Brain Health, Motivation, and Behavior
Title funding can be used to pay for these services. Last year, I worked with close to 20 different schools in over 10 different school districts. Don't miss out on these opportunities to support your community!
For a description and full list of other topics I am currently offering, click here.
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Jodie Maddox Coaching and Consulting
Email: jodiemaddoxicoach@gmail.com
Website: jodiemaddoxicoach.com
Phone: (913)908-8220
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