We understand how distance learning raises concerns for some families. Students are not able to see their friends like they use to and they may start to experience feelings of sadness and loneliness. Maintaining friendships virtually during these crucial years of their development, especially during COVID-19, may seem challenging but it does not have to…
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In his New York Times oped, Esau McCaulley discusses the burden of deciding just how much to disclose to a child about the dangers of Covid-19. For example, should we as parents tell our children how many people have died so they stay safe…or should we let them remain children longer? McCaulley then compares this…
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Children will say negative things about themselves and it is our role as caring adults to help direct them away from destructive self-talk. Constructive self-talk is very common and we all do it to ourselves and when we hear our children talk about themselves constructively, it may not raise any concerns. But how would we…
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Poetry week continues… Here is a fun one by Shel Silverstein, which embodies the “win-win mentality” we’ve discussed in a previous post, but in the poet’s characteristically playful way! Hug O’ WarI’d rather play at hug o’ war,Where everyone hugsInstead of tugsWhere everyone gigglesAnd rolls on the rug,Where everyone kissesAnd everyone grinsAnd everyone cuddlesAnd everyone…
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As our children grow into their teenage years, they may start to experience some complications in their relationships with their friends. Healthy relationships with other peers gives our teens the opportunity to develop their social skills, learn how to cooperate with others, resist negative peer pressure, and effectively resolve conflicts. In this short video, your…
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Whenever you are spending time with your child, whether you are doing a craft together or taking a stroll around the park, do you ever stop and wonder what your kid might be thinking in that moment? We all do it, too. Children are use to giving us quick answers when we ask them “did…
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The PTA’s motto is “Every Child, One Voice”. It means we speak and act in unity for the betterment of all children. If your child experiences racial privilege, you may be wondering how to go about acting in unity for the needs of minority children? One of the most important things a parent can do…
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Do you sometimes catch yourself stepping in to help get your kids out of a sticky situation? Have they ever asked you to bring their homework to school because they forgot it at home and it was due? Been there, done that. But as a friendly reminder, it is also important to remember that children…
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Ok…maybe it seems a little silly to be reminded to smile, but sometimes in periods of prolonged stress, we don’t realize how long it’s been since we’ve done something that is part of our normal routine – like smile, laugh, or take a break. So why should you smile? Smiling improves physical health because it…
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National Prevention Week incorporates daily themes to focus on substance abuse topics and today, we will be talking about preventing underage drinking and alcohol misuse. Did you know that 60% of individuals between the ages of 12-20 reported using alcohol in the past month were also binge alcohol users? Binge drinking equals 5 or more…
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OKPTA Cultivate 