Una’s Chat
Dear Families,
As parents and teachers, we are careful to monitor and control, within reason, the things and people our children are exposed to in order to ensure their health and safety. All the while, we must keep in mind that life throws lots of curve balls and your child will not always be met with a smile and a kind hand. So it stands to reason that we must allow our children to stand their own ground as much as possible, in order to develop the skills necessary to manage less-than-perfect situations with less-than-ideal personalities. That being said, the situation or personality the child is being asked to handle must be reasonable for him or her to do even with guidance and support.
When your child comes home with a story about another’s misdeed or infraction against him or her, always ask, “What did you do when that happened?” or with your older child, “How did you handle that?” Then ask, “Do you think you handled it well? Are you happy with the outcome?” If your child was not satisfied with the outcome of the interchange, encourage him or her to “Think about what you can do if this happens again that will make you feel like you handled the situation well.”
Another question you can ask is “What do you want to happen in your relationship with this person?” Listen carefully to your child’s response, as this will help you to understand what support your child needs from you. Then create a role play with family members to duplicate the scenario. Use clear, short and specific language that is assertive, not aggressive. Have your child practice many times so that the words become easy to say. Don’t forget to model assertive (not aggressive) body language.
In general, when working with older children, let them know that not everyone is as kind, gentle and respectful as they may be; yet, it is within their control to allow these people to affect them negatively or not. Children can choose to disassociate themselves from those who do not treat them well; a wonderful life lesson and a really good rule of thumb. However, if your child wants to persist with a relationship that sometimes offends her, provide strategies that will empower her to speak out and make her needs and feelings known using the same approach as above. Of course, also remind your child that “What goes around comes around.” If she wants to be treated respectfully and kindly, then it behooves her to treat others in kind.
Remember all of these little social/emotional challenges are opportunities for very valuable life lessons for your children, as long as they have the guidance and support of a trusted adult who has their back when they have tried everything and still need help. They will then come out of these occasions stronger, smarter, and more prepared to hold their own in the world.
Good luck and call if you need support,
Una
We Need Help Finding Talent!
Do you, or someone you know, juggle, walk on stilts, ride a unicycle, perform magic, play an accordian, or do some other form of "roaming" entertainment?
Contact Amanda Aronson with info. or to volunteer on event day. Help is especially needed to manage parking (great for dads and grandfathers).
Next Meeting: Friday, February 3 at 8:45am at Panera Bread.
Silent Journey
Friday, February 10 5:30pm-7:30pm
Saturday, February 11 8:30am-11:30am
MSGH will present Silent Journey, a comprehensive event designed to help adults experience the Montessori classroom from the child’s perspective. On Friday evening, participants will enjoy refreshments, an overall introduction to the Silent Journey, and begin a silent exploration to prepare for the Saturday session. On Saturday, participants will experience the progression from Toddler to Primary to Elementary through extensive work with the materials. Perfect for parents seeking a broad introduction to the Montessori curriculum and philosophy. We regret that we cannot offer childcare for this event.
RSVP to the Main Office at 860.236.4565 by Tuesday, February 7.
Financial Aid Applications Now Being Accepted
The deadline for submitting Financial Aid applications for the 2012-13 school year is February 15. Forms are available on our website. Click here to be directed. Should you have any questions, please contact Mary McHale at ext. 26.
Recess Programming Sign-Ups Are Now Open
Click here to see our Winter Break programming,
which runs from 2/21-2/24.
Click here to see our Summer Days programming,
which runs from 6/18-8/10.
2012 Art of Learning Annual Gala Auction
Please Save-the-Date for the 2012 Art of Learning Annual Gala Auction on Friday, May 11, 2012 at The Riverview in Simsbury.
Feel free to join the committee at any time. For further information, please contact Susan Rich-Bye at 860.236.4565 ext. 28.
FA NEWS
Volunteers Needed for the Ice Skating Social on March 3.
Contact Rebecca London if you can help.
Tea with Una
Wednesday, February 8 9:00am - 10:30 am
"Raising Children in Today's World"
Raising children in today's world can feel challenging for parents, who themselves are trying to keep up with changing technology, unprecedented access to media and images, and a pace that rivals that of most adults.
Join us for Tea with Una to enjoy a conversational-style morning of discussion on this important topic. Tea is sponsored by our Family Association and will be held at the home of Rebecca and Shawn London at 91 Four Mile Road, West Hartford, CT.
RSVPs are appreciated. Event is geared toward adults. For more information, please contact FA Co-Chair, Rebecca London at remonroe@yahoo.com or Amanda Aronson at 860.236.4565 ext. 23.
