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4801 E.
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This page was last updated on May 02, 2008 |
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Organization
Organization is a big problem for many young children. If we organize them all the time, remind, or bring things they have forgotten, they may not be suffering the consequences of their actions and will not learn to be responsible. Some lessons are hard, but are not learned unless there is a little suffering. If the adults take on all the responsibility and suffering for their errors, children will not change their behavior.
For example, students forget lunches and parents bring something to them because they don’t like the food offered that day. Children will have something to eat, but perhaps they will remember better if they suffer the consequences of their actions.
Children should pack their backpacks and lay out clothes each evening before bed. Planning ahead is a good skill. Acquiring good habits relieves stress.
Parents who nag about homework will probably set themselves up for a battle each day. Set the guidelines and stick to them. Do your homework and then watch TV or play outside for an hour and then do homework. The specifics of the routine are not as important as being consistent and having a plan. Homework should never take more than an hour unless there is a backlog from not keeping up. Procrastination is a horrible habit which both you and your children will regret.
If students can do homework before you arrive home or at daycare, it is even better. This is the child’s job and not the parent’s job.
Your job is to look it over, sign the planner, ask questions, and be aware of what is going on and being taught.
If your family has trouble keeping track of activities and notes, start a three ring binder with a section for each person or activity. Stick the notes from school and sports and church or other activities in the binder and you will have an easy reference to check when activities are happening and what needs to be done. Children learn best by observing and participating in your planning and organization.
Mary Freimuth Helt
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Support Groups for Grieving Children and Families (Adults, children, and teens, ages 6-18, who have experienced the
death of someone they love):
Beginning ---November 5, 2007 ---and every Monday evening from 6:00 to 7:30 for eight weeks. A simple meal is provided
at 6:00.
Held at:
Amanda the Panda Family Grief Center
1000 73rd St., Suite 12
Des Moines, Iowa 50311
Register:
On-line www.amandathepanda.org or
Call 515-223-4847
If you are interested in one of the weekend camps in the spring or fall, use the same information to register.
Camps are free. Anyone who has suffered a loss can benefit from counseling and fellowship of others who
have also lost loved ones. There are separate camps for adults and children offered at the same time.
Mary Freimuth Helt
National Certified Counselor
Pleasant Hill School
4801 E. Oakwood Drive
Pleasant Hill, Iowa 50327
515-242-8432
FAX 515-265-8344
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From a ‘zine’ for counseling:
Ten Things Your Student’s Elementary School
Counselor Wants You To Know
1. We run academic and personal/social groups to help your student connect
with other students with similar issues. Example group topics include: ADHD,
grief, family change, friendship, goal setting, study skills, anger control,
and age-appropriate social skills.
2. We help students solve problems and make effective choices.
3. We help parents understand developmental stages and needs of children.
4. We help parents work with teachers to develop school success strategies
for students.
5. We collaborate with community agencies to help parents find assistance.
6. We help students to follow school and classroom rules.
7. We are heavily involved with transition programs and help students and
parents feel at ease during the process.
8. We plan, implement, and evaluate classroom counseling on a regular basis
– giving us the ideal opportunity to see and get to know every student!
9. We meet with students individually and help them learn to cope with their
feelings about school, friends, family issues, etc.
10. We love our jobs! We love coming to school each day and leaving knowing
that we made a difference! We are here to assist students, parents,
teachers, administrators, and other school personnel to ensure we are
providing the best environment for your student.
Mary Freimuth Helt
National Certified Counselor