Anyone notice parenting got a whole lot harder this Spring? Finding ourselves in uncharted territory, I thought we could use some calm, cool, collected PROFESSIONALS to help us out. Here are the top tips I got when I reached out to these amazing, generous, hardworking professionals!

School Counselor: Phyllis Flagell, Sheridan Elementary and author of Middle School Matters

We are building an airplane together IN the sky. This is hard and unknown, we are going to get it wrong, and that’s ok.
Kids have been calling and want connection as simple as looking at their dog on Zoom.
Creativity and self-advocacy is bubbling up in kids. One student reached out and asked to create an Only-Child support group, complete with an article to start the conversation.
Stay in touch with your school counselor. We can help figure out if a concerning behavior is something to ride out or something to address.
Kids need love and safety above all else. If you need to let got of academic instruction for a bit to focus on love and safety, let yourself do that.

Principal: Jaime Coffee, Tulip Grove Elementary

Keep acknowledging that this is hard on everyone. Ask questions, “How can we change this temporary routine to make it better?” Remember, this is temporary.
When children feel like they are part of the process and have ownership, it’s easier to get them to comply.
Parents should feel free to reach out to the school if they need help. Think about who the child talks about - PE teacher, counselor, reading resource teacher, then reach out to that person.
We are here to help at any time, with any concern.
Remember the word grace. “Jaime, you gotta give yourself a little grace.” This is not going to be perfect.

Teacher: Sarah Hill, Barrie Montessori

Set up a space that can allow children to work independently, that’s what they like and that’s what they are used to.
Clean, organized and open space works best. Small is ok - clear off a shelf, a corner of the living room. Set out basket of books, 1 puzzle, 1 of the materials from school and a snack on a tray, or however they are used to their school being set up,
When they are asleep (nightly) - change the books, the puzzle, the material and the snack. This is routine and novelty combined, just how kids like it.
When you find the time to do this set-up parents find they can work more peacefully for a bit.
Find your edge of patience, and stop 5 minutes before. Walk away and put that movie on!
Parents need to feel proud of what they are doing and understand it’s not their job to completely educate their children. Be forgiving. When your patience ends, it’s ok to step back and not accomplish every single goal. Keep yourself sane!

Have a Teen, Need Help?