Family Vision Board

                                                        FAMILY VISION BOARD

     A great way to explore your family’s goals, values, and desires is to create a family collage or vision board. Grab some magazines, crayons, and glue. Ask each person to find photos and words that represent your family, personal or family goals, or an activity you wish to experience together. Once you collect your pictures and words, create a collage. Hang it where your family will see it daily - it serves as a reminder of your CORE values and goals and will be a motivator to help you achieve them.

    

    A family who completed this activity told me their child put a horse on their vision board. A horse was not an option; however it led to the child receiving horseback riding lessons which later turned into a regular family activity. 

    

     Another family expressed a desire for a family vacation – something they had been unable to do in several years. The vision board prompted family members to discuss a plan to work together and save for a vacation. By the end of the year they accomplished their goal! The board became a way for the family to bond and work together.

    

     The vision board is a nice activity to do with the start of the school year and fall activities.  What are your family’s goals and desires this fall?

How to Talk to Your Child About Natural Disasters

How to Talk to Your Child About Natural Disasters

1. Explore your child's thoughts. If they ask a question on a recent event inquire further. Find out what they know and how they feel about it. Don't assume.

2. Validate their feelings. For example, " I can see that you feel scared.”This will encourage your child to talk to you in the future about their feelings and let them know it's okay to have these feelings. Statements like "don't feel scared" do not stop a child from having fears - that is about you not them.

3. Follow up with a reason why they do not need to feel scared, such as "Parents and schools have plans to keep kids safe, it rarely happens here."

4. If appropriate it is helpful to get concrete. For example, "Mom has lived here for 30 years which is 10950 days and we have never had an earthquake in all those days."

5. Keep explanations simple.

6. Offer a way for your child to help such as gathering clothes or food to send to those in need - or offer a volunteer experience close to home where your child can feel helpful.

HOW TO CREATE AN EASIER TRANSITION BACK TO SCHOOL

                                                                                                                               

                

It’s that time of year again…                          

HOW TO CREATE AN EASIER TRANSITION BACK TO SCHOOL

1.       

      One or two weeks before school begins return to your evening and morning routines.This will better prepare your child for their first day when they have to wake earlier.

2.     

      Back to School Shopping. Engage your child in back to school shopping for supplies, a backpack, or their first day outfit. By including them in supply shopping you can help excite them for the beginning of the year.

3.      

      If your child is nervous set up a preschool meeting with school staff and if possible their teacher.

4.    

      Meet with any school staff necessary prior to school such as school nurse or social worker if your child has any medical concerns.

5.     

      If it’s your child’s first year, your child is nervous, or you just want to get back into the routine practice a few days before preparing for school. For example, wake up at your normal school day time, have breakfast, even pick up the backpack and drive to school. Instead of going to class perhaps walk through the school and spend some time playing on the playground or have a picnic.