The Tiger's Mind

7th Edition

The holidays can be a busy and sometimes stressful time for families, especially for children and teens. There are often long days and lots of changes in routine which can lead to increased stress. However, at times, the changes in routine also leave parents and caregivers with an opportunity to spend more time and have conversations with their children.

The “Let’s Talk” conversation guide is a great resource for parents and caregivers to encourage and initiate conversations. The guide provides open-ended questions that can help parents start a conversation with their children about their feelings, thoughts, and experiences.

Here are some tips for how parents can use the “Let’s Talk” conversation guide in the holidays:

• Make any time and place an opportunity to talk. The holidays can be busy, so it’s important to know that you don’t have to find a specific time and place where you and your child can talk. Anytime is a great time to create an environment for open communication.
• Start by asking simple questions. The “Let’s Talk” conversation guide includes a variety of questions, so you can start with the ones that are most appropriate for your child’s age and level of understanding.
• Be patient and listen. It’s important to be patient and listen to what your child has to say. Don’t interrupt or judge, just listen.
• Offer support. If your child is feeling stressed or anxious, let them know that you’re there to support them. You can offer to help them find ways to cope with the stress, or just be there to listen.

By using the “Let’s Talk” conversation guide and following these tips, you can foster a supportive environment and navigate important topics in your child’s life. We encourage you to use this guide during the holidays and any other time of the year.

Read full article on Erika's Lighthouse.

The holiday season can be joyous, but also challenging for those who experience mental and emotional stress. A few tips to help you stay healthy and happy this season, from Thriveway:

• Put yourself first. It's easy to let your needs slip with the chaos of the season.
• Set a budget. Overspending can cause unbelievable stress.
• Be kind. Even if someone is not the nicest to you, show them a little grace.
• Be realistic. Don't put pressure on yourself by setting unrealistic goals.
• Stay active. If you begin to feel stressed, take a walk outside.
• But not too active. Give your mind and body a chance to rest from the holiday hustle.
• Practice moderation. Too much of anything (eating, drinking, shopping) can be a bad idea.
• Take a deep breath. Think about the best solutions to what troubles you.
• Keep a regular schedule of sleeping, eating and exercising.
• Reach out if you need help. YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

Childhood 2.0 is critical resource for anyone who wants to better understand the world their children are navigating as they grow up in the digital age. Featuring actual parents and kids as well as industry-leading experts in child safety and development, this documentary dives into the real-life issues facing kids today — including cyberbullying, online predators, suicidal ideation, and more.

Now they've made the content even easier for families to use! The film has been clipped into 15 segments so parents can watch short sections and discuss as a family. It’s also perfect for picking sections for younger kids that are age appropriate. Here's the playlist of segments.

Change is hard, y'all. Change can be what scares us away from taking a big step forward in life. Change can cause indecisiveness to SKYROCKET, and then we are left wondering,

"What if...?"

This reminder is a great little tidbit to say...when we choose to overthink things (#guilty), when we are indecisive (#guilty), we can often lose so much more than we think!

My message to you is to GO FOR IT! Jump in...

Are you considering going back to school again? DO IT! I'll help you!

Are you considering an out of the box classroom idea?!? GO FOR IT! I'll support you!

Are you wondering what would happen if...?

MAKE IT HAPPEN!

Don't miss out! :)

-Mrs. Brittany Spencer, SMS Principal

Who doesn't love a little self-care project over the break? This "New Year Mini Vision Board" is perfect for people to intentionalize their goals for the new year.

• Lifestyle changes can help people manage anxiety and depression and take charge of their mental wellbeing.
• Some behaviors that are linked to improving or preventing anxiety and depression include addressing sleep issues, connecting with others, eating a nutritious diet and exercising.
• Change can be hard, especially for those with anxiety or depression, so it's important to be kind to yourself.
• The best way to care for your mental health is the approach that works best for you. In some cases, professional help may also be needed.

We enjoyed an incredible, festive family engagement night at SMS Monday evening hosted by our Family Engagement Educators Team (F.E.E.T.). Thank you to everyone who made it possible and who joined us for a great time!

"Tonight was so much fun! ...The cake walk took all of us back to our youth tonight, [it] was the highlight. Several of us parents took a trip down memory lane." ~Parent IJ

The National Crisis Lifeline

A free 24-hour lifeline available to anyone in emotional distress or suicidal crisis.

Visit Website

Lifeline – Call or Text: 9-8-8 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Spanish Lifeline - Call:1-888-628-9454

What Happens When I Contact the National Crisis Lifeline?

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