If you’re a parent, you may have wondered: What exactly does a school counselor do? Maybe you’ve heard the term "guidance counselor" before, but here’s the thing—we are no longer called guidance counselors. The role of a school counselor has evolved significantly over the years. We don’t just “guide” students in choosing classes or preparing for careers. We play a critical role in the emotional, social, and academic development of children. As a school … [Read more...]
How to Apologize to Your Child: Breaking Generational Cycles
Some parents don't believe in apologizing to children. But in my opinion, children are people too, and they have feelings. When parents learn to apologize, they begin modeling what healthy relationships look like for their children. My parents are Jamaican, and I grew up in an era of children must know their place. As a child, you basically had no rights. You did as your parents said, even if it didn't make sense. You didn't dare question them, or tell them … [Read more...]
5 Effective Tips for Parenting a Moody Preteen: Expert Advice for Parents
Give your moody preteen some grace. They are living a life that is completely different from what we knew growing up. They are learning how to deal with the pressures of social media, online bullying, and what seems like an endless amount of advice (good and bad) about who they should be, sound like, or look like. It seemed like the toddler years lasted forever, but somehow I woke up to a preteen. And I'll be honest. I wasn't prepared. I spent 7 years as a middle … [Read more...]