Hello TAISM Parents!
Things have been busy in the Counseling Office, as they always are this time of year. There are many families going through transitions. Some are just arriving to our community, and some are just beginning to process the news that they will have to leave Muscat soon. Academic demands are in full swing. Many of our kids are involved in extra-curricular activities, lessons, sports, and perhaps they are learning lines for the upcoming Elementary Musical. Also, February and March tend to be extra busy in Oman, with everyone trying to cram weekends full with outdoor opportunities and trips...knowing that the end of the beautiful weather will soon come to a close. And, this seems to be birthday party season as well, with sometimes 2 or 3 kids' birthday parties per weekend! I haven't even mentioned other tough issues, such as family conflicts, illnesses, or losses. With all of this rushing around, the effects of stress are evident. Kids and families are finding it harder to cope with the normal challenges of their day.
Things have been busy in the Counseling Office, as they always are this time of year. There are many families going through transitions. Some are just arriving to our community, and some are just beginning to process the news that they will have to leave Muscat soon. Academic demands are in full swing. Many of our kids are involved in extra-curricular activities, lessons, sports, and perhaps they are learning lines for the upcoming Elementary Musical. Also, February and March tend to be extra busy in Oman, with everyone trying to cram weekends full with outdoor opportunities and trips...knowing that the end of the beautiful weather will soon come to a close. And, this seems to be birthday party season as well, with sometimes 2 or 3 kids' birthday parties per weekend! I haven't even mentioned other tough issues, such as family conflicts, illnesses, or losses. With all of this rushing around, the effects of stress are evident. Kids and families are finding it harder to cope with the normal challenges of their day.
My class lessons for the past two rotations have focused on STRESS. We define it, we talk about its causes, how it makes us feel, and what we can do to reduce stress in our lives. We practice square breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery. We also discuss how sleep, exercise, and talking about our problems are all important in reducing stress. In the 5th grade, we also discuss time management, as they will soon be learning to use planners in middle school...which is only five months from now!
What can you do as a parent to help?
Take a look at these articles:
Don't have time to read these articles? Too stressed? Here are a few common points in all of the articles I read:
- Be a role model. Model healthy stress management in your own life.
- SLEEEEEEP! Be vigilant about protecting your child's sleep time.
- Exercise, stay active.
- Learn relaxation techniques.
- Play time, "down" time is important.
- Be a role model. Model healthy stress management in your own life.
- SLEEEEEEP! Be vigilant about protecting your child's sleep time.
- Exercise, stay active.
- Learn relaxation techniques.
- Play time, "down" time is important.
