Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Toy and Joy Applications are Ready

Toy and Joy applications are ready to be picked up if you and your family are needing help with Christmas. If you would like an application, please come to the counseling office. They need to be returned to us no later than Friday, December 11th.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Guidelines for Helping With Homework

Guidelines for Helping With Homework
So You Don't Work Harder Than Your Child!

by Dr. Charles Fay
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• Set aside a time each day for family learning.
• Set aside at least 30 minutes, devoted to "family brain cell development." During this time, there should be no TV, video games, computer games, etc.
• Model your own excitement for learning by reading a book, writing letters, etc.
• Your child may learn by doing their homework, reading about something they love, writing stories, etc.
• Help only when your child truly wants it.
• Some parents make the mistake of forcing help upon their kids. This only creates frustration, anger, and kids who believe they can't learn without their parents' help.
• Help only when there's an absence of anger or frustration.
• When either you or your child gets frustrated or angry, learning becomes associated with frustration and anger.
• Help only when your child can describe what the teacher said.
• This ensures that your child continues to believe that it's important to pay attention to teachers.
• Unfortunately, some kids learn that it's best to "tune-out" at school and let their parents do all of the teaching at home.
• Move away from your child before he/she "gets it."
• Some children believe they can only learn something, or "get it," when an adult is in the same room...or is guiding them every inch of the way.
• To prevent this dependency, avoid falling into the habit of sitting at the table as your child does their homework, especially when they are on the brink of learning something new.

THE CARDINAL RULE FOR HELPING:
Never Work Harder Than Your Child.
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Achievers Versus Underachievers


Beliefs that shape behavior

Achievers believe:
  • It’s okay if things get difficult
  • I’m responsible for my own happiness
  • Hard work is the key to success
  • Hard work and learning lead to pride
  • I’ve got what it takes to learn to solve most of the problems I face
  • I have control over my life

“What a challenge!  If I work hard, I can do it!”

Underachievers believe:
  • Life shouldn’t be hard
  • Other people are supposed to make me happy
  • I’m entitled to success and all of it’s perks
  • Hard work and learning create misery
  • I can’t learn and solve problems on my own
  • What happens to me is completely beyond my control

“Not fair!  This is too hard!”


Ways of modifying unhealthy beliefs:
  • Model healthy beliefs about hard work and learning through your own language and behavior.
  • On a daily basis, talk with excitement about your job and what you learn from it.
  • Set and enforce firm and loving limits.
  • Avoid giving your kids too much.  Make sure they understand that there is no such thing as a free meal.
  • Expect kids to make their fair share contributions to the home… and the school.
  • “Catch” them doing well and let them know.

Friday, November 13, 2009

Info. on Eating Disorders

Do you or someone you know have an eating disorder?  Providence St. Vincent has developed an Adolescent Eating Disorder Program.  They offer a no charge informational meeting every Wednesday from 4:40 until 5:15 to answer questions about eating disorder treatment, in general and at Providence, and to help explore and develop "next steps".

If you would like more information or a meeting, please contact Providence at 503-216-4964.

Friday, November 6, 2009

Need Help Finding Help?

Do you need help finding services in Yamhill County?
Dial 2-1-1 (or 1-866-698-6153) for help with:
* Food Resources
* Health Care
* Public Agencies
* Legal Services
* Employment Resources
* Counseling/Support groups
* Housing/Emergency Shelter
* And Much More!