4th Edition

I used to think my kids had Blank Brains.

Truly, I thought they'd only ever know, understand, or value whatever I put into their brains. That they'd never learn, grow, or create anything that *I* had not first planted in their blank brain.

I subconsciously thought they were just mini-me's dependent on me for every aspect of their entire life and future.

Can you imagine the stress I felt?

This meant that I:

• felt pressure to teach my children about Every Single Thing all the time.
• I tended to lecture and over-explain and go on and on (because I wasn't sure they had a sense of right/wrong written on their heart).
• didn't believe my kids could do or be anything outside of me.

Let's just say it. That was one of the most draining and limiting beliefs (for my kids and me) that I've uncovered thus far.

It took me realizing my kids were separate to me, to really have a breakthrough.

Because the truth is...

YOU don't meet ALL your kid's needs.
THEY ACTUALLY MEET THEIR OWN!

Not talking about needs like shelter, food, etc. here, FYI.

• Kids (people) are driven to meet their own emotional and social needs.
  
• When kids feel they're lacking connection, attention, experience, or power they WILL ACT.
• Children are instinctually able to get these needs met in whatever way they can manage it.

Also true, they may get these needs met in ways that you Do Not Like.

Certain behaviors (being annoying, teasing, sneaking, etc.) are a child's way of meeting their own needs.

Now your job is helping to make sure they meet them in appropriate healthy ways.

(From Language of Listening by Parent Coach, Rachel Norman)

"Teens who use social media for more than three hours a day face double the risk of depression and anxiety symptoms, which is particularly concerning given that the average amount of time that kids use social media is 3 1/2 hours a day," the Surgeon General Dr.

"Technology is evolving fast – it can be hard to keep up with the new platforms, content trends, and potential dangers that young people may be exposed to. Kids and teens see traumatizing events and controversial opinions in the news on a regular basis, and social media is a way to see in realtime what their peers are doing.

The type of content young people see affects their mental health. Like anything, there can be pros and cons to this. Unfortunately, we can’t fully protect young people from all the bad stuff. What we can do is prepare them to protect themselves and be there to help them understand what they’re seeing and hearing."

Continue reading article from Mental Health America...

"We are so hard on ourselves sometimes! We push ourselves to the max doing all the things for all the people around us. We help others (little people & big people) overcome challenges every single day, yet when we are faced with adversity, we often shut down, give up, or think it just isn't possible. Allow me to pose the question, would you let your students give up? Would you let your son/daughter give up? Would you let your colleague give up? If the answer is no, then DON'T give up on YOU, my friends! Be an overcomer! Dig deep, and do NOT give up!"

~Mrs. Spencer, Southside Middle School Principal

"We are [well into the beginning of the year and hopefully] we are settling in, finding grooves, and (hopefully) working hard!

Today's Monday Movie begs the question, "who are you gonna be?"

Will you be resilient?

Will you be gritty? Determined?

A bump in the road does not define us!

Dig deep, be reliable, give back to the community... and never give up."

~Mrs. Barron, Tallassee High School Vice Principal

Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death in people aged 10-19.

80% of teens who died by suicide showed warning signs.

For every death by suicide, there are over 25 survivors from attempts.

Understanding the issues concerning suicide and mental health is an important way to take part in suicide prevention, help others in crisis, and change the conversation around suicide. (988lifeline.org)

Spirit days are be a great way to have fun, improve school community, and inspire conversation about meaningful topics such as mental health. Our hope is that participating in daily awareness activities serve as a catalyst for students, families, faculty and staff to learn more, seek help, offer support, and open our hearts and minds to vulnerable conversations.

Ask a question. Save a life.

Families, students, educators, faith leaders, community members JOIN US to learn how YOU can help.

Just like CPR, QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) is an emergency response to someone in crisis and can save lives.

Learn how to:

• Recognize the warning signs for a suicide crisis.
• Intervene and ask questions when someone is at risk.
• Refer someone at risk of suicide to appropriate help.

At Tallassee High School- Auditorium, 502 Barnett Blvd, Tallassee, AL

Light refreshments will be served by the F.E.E.Team.

Facilitated by the Alabama Suicide Prevention and Resource Coalition (ASPARC)

Event paid for by 1:1 Foundation & River Region Chaplain Service.

WHY IS FAMILY ENGAGEMENT IMPORTANT?

Research shows that when parents and school staff work together, students are healthier and more successful in school. TCS nourishes academic success with the understanding that it starts at home. This is visible through the work of our Family Engagement Educators Team (F.E.E.T.) does within our Tallassee community.

WHAT IS F.E.E.T.?

F.E.E.T. is group of TCS faculty & staff, from all three schools, working together with the goal to make better connections with students and bridge the gap between school and community. One way they do this is by getting out into the community to get to know our TCS families where they are. This "boots on the ground" team enjoys being visible in the community with regular, good old-fashioned home visits. Student snack bags are shared and family connections are made with each visit. Another way F.E.E.T. connects with our TCS families is by hosting district-wide events throughout the year to share valuable information, bring community resources together, and have a little family fun time in the process.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO ENGAGE WITH YOUR CHILD'S SCHOOL?

As a parent, you want your child to do well in school. You also want your child to be healthy and avoid behaviors that are risky or harmful. Through your guidance and support, you can have great influence on your child’s health and learning. One way you can show your support is by being involved in your child’s school.

Studies have shown that students who have parents engaged in their school lives are more likely to have

• Higher grades and test scores.
• Better student behavior.
• Enhanced social skills.

Supporting Emotional Regulation in Youth: Providing a Foundation to Manage Big Emotions

Children aren’t born knowing how to manage emotions or express feelings in appropriate ways. And when children don’t understand their emotions, challenging behavior can arise. This webinar will help you find ways to create healthy connections with kids, understand how to calm the child’s nervous system, and teach you skills to practice.

Tallassee City Schools

Mental Health Services Coordinator

Email: Jen.Bafford@tcschools.com
Location: 901 E B Payne Sr Dr, Tallassee, AL 36078
Call or Text: 334-415-4125
Facebook: facebook.com/MrsJenBafford

NEW page on TCS Website: https://www.tcschools.com/page/mental-health-wellness