Can you think back to the time when you were starting a new school year? For some of us it is a far off distant memory. It can be so easy as a parent to simply fall into the thinking of, “don’t worry, be happy” or “what’s the big deal”. Imagine though, for a moment, how you would be feeling on your first day starting a new job. In adult terms that is probably closest to the potential of how your child feels going to school on their first few days.
Knowing this, I wanted to offer some helpful tips shared with me over the year by some amazing Personal Best Parents.
Being the First to Extend a Hand of Friendship
Posted: May 17, 2019
By Master Christopher Rappold
Recently I attended an event where I was an invited speaker. It was not my first time attending, and I was thinking back to last year’s event which was not my favorite. I remember the feeling of being stared down, judged and just enduring the cold culture it presented to me. Knowing I would be attending again, didn’t give me a lot to look forward to.
Prior to the event starting I made a decision. I was going to actively be the first one to initiate contact, compliments and conversation with any of the people I came across. I was amazed at how nice everyone was. Many of the same people, but it seemed they had grown so much.
Creating The Homework Routine
Posted: May 17, 2019
By Master Christopher Rappold
I remember thinking, “I can’t wait till I don’t have to do homework ever again!” unfortunately I am still waiting!
Let’s face: it whether homework or life activities - it is all the same. We have things to do that have daily deadlines on them and they need to be done well in a timely manner. As parents, one of our responsibilities is to help to create a framework that works successfully for our children.
The Other B Word
Posted: May 17, 2019
By Master Christopher Rappold
With the start of a new school year it seems likely that your child could be at the same risk of being bullied as any other child at their school. As parents, this can make us feel vulnerable since they are away from our immediate protection. I’m happy to share, there is a very real strategy that can be used to minimize the likelihood your child will be targeted.
Having the experience of working in over 30 public and private schools over the past 10 years I have definitely seen patterns that tend to make certain children immune to being targeted.
An easy, healthy way to keep your child hydrated
Posted: May 17, 2019
By Master Christopher Rappold
I can’t blame a child or even an adult for enjoying the taste of juice. It is flavorfully sweet and quenches your thirst. The challenge though is at what cost? With a rise in childhood obesity it seems we need to be as mindful about sugar intake as we are about our child’s hydration.
This can be hard for some of us to swallow, pardon the pun. Many of us grew up in a house that had juice as a part of a “nutritious” breakfast. Some of us always had a carton of juice in the refrigerator if we needed our thirst quenched; therefore our appetite for juice has been woven into our nutritional history.