Lesson Category: School Age

It has been said that perfectionism is a trait that makes life an endless report card on accomplishments or appearances. The tendency toward perfectionism has increased significantly among young people over the past 30 years. It can be associated with depression, anxiety, eating disorders and even suicide. The needs to feel accepted and to be cared about tend to drive perfectionism and without treatment, may get worse over time. 

Perfectionists strive for flawlessness in themselves and/or in others. If you’re wondering whether you have these tendencies, the chances are that you do to one degree or another.

Human beings are built to reflect each other’s emotions. When children display intense feelings and behaviors, our brains naturally reflect those. We start to feel stressed, angry, fearful, or overwhelmed, just like our kids. The most helpful thing we can do is to develop a brain calming practice and make it part of our daily routine.

• Not sure what the difference is between sexual orientation and gender identity?
• Confused by terms your child might be using, like pansexual, queer, transgender, or nonbinary?
• Feeling the need for some guidance about how to positively respond to your child?

There are many ways youth may be talking about their sexual orientation or gender identity that might be new or confusing for parents. Having a basic understanding of the words being used, along with some helpful ways to respond, can assist you in supporting your child.

• Does the idea of talking with your child about sexual orientation feel difficult or even a little scary?
• Are you confused about the changing ways that many in our society see these issues?
• Feeling the need for some guidance about how to support your child?

Raising healthy children with an ability to sustain meaningful relationships is a challenge even in the most ideal situations. Add on hormones, attitude, personality, technology and shelter-in place - welcome to the tween and teen years! This interactive online class will include a conversation about parenting the independent, emerging adult while still nurturing the playful child within. 

We will talk specifically about building relationships during this very unpredictable time. You will have the opportunity to explore making stronger connections through conversation and confrontation in the context of real-life situations.

The way we praise children affects how they see themselves. The language we use can actually help or hinder their desire to learn and their level of effort, as well as their ability to stick with a challenging task. You might be surprised to learn that telling your child how smart they are can actually decrease effort. Research tells us that we can help even discouraged children cope with frustration and see failure as an opportunity to learn rather than giving up. Use specific, powerful feedback to encourage your child to take appropriate risks and feel more confident to try new things. 

Each of us grows up in a unique family and when we come together as a couple, we don’t usually talk about our parenting beliefs until children are actually on the scene. The more intentional parents are about sharing their stories and values with each other, the more likely it is that you can agree on parenting approaches.  

Mothers often parent in ways that are different from fathers and those differences can be helpful to children, but only if you recognize the strengths of each other’s approaches.. “Marshmallows” often join with “Generals” because in some ways they need each other. But over time your differences can become more dramatic and problematic.  

Does your child seem unmotivated, stressed or just bored when it comes to school?

Do you play homework police instead of connecting positively with your child?

Are you confused about what will really help?

Many parents feel overwhelmed or out of the loop when it comes to their kids’ education. How can you nurture your child’s education and support engagement in learning? This class will help support your child’s learning and motivation in ways that work. You will discover how to advocate in meaningful ways when necessary. 

Students, parents, and educators are facing dramatically increased academic loss and a widening of the achievement gap. How can we address the loss and build understanding? Evidence suggest that we start with building empathy. Compassion will help us embrace the academic challenge as a community. In this class we will look at the effects of school absences due to health, behavior, and current events. We will also introduce and review effective strategies to build a strong academic foundation.

Gifted students are more likely to hold a “fixed mindset,” which may hold them back from trying new things or reaching their full potential. They may believe they should only do things at which they are excellent. The way families and educators give feedback can reinforce a frame of mind that supports those limiting beliefs or the confidence to try new experiences. Learn about language you can use to support courage and independence in your gifted student. You will also gain skills in coaching your child back to confidence after a failure.