Happy New Year!
A new calendar year and new semester have begun. At this time of year, many people make various types of resolutions. Unfortunately, often just less than a month after making these resolutions, the resolve fails, frustration sets in, and old habits come racing back to take their former places. While this scenario happens to adults, it can also happen to children and adolescents. Frequently, this cycle stems from making too many resolutions or ones that are impossibly lofty, such A+s on every assignment in every class or being best friends with every peer in every grade level. While these are noble goals, they can be difficult to maintain and cause undue pressure. So, in talking with your child about making positive changes and resolutions for the new year, consider the following:
· Instead of focusing on just making a particular grade, commit to using particular strategies for study (reviewing notes daily, reading for a set amount of time each evening, consistently using his/her homework agenda/planner),
· Prepare each evening for the next day—pick out outfits, pack lunches, organize backpacks, so that mornings are less stressful and run more smoothly, for all family members,
· Greet or compliment at least one peer daily, even if it is just to smile –those small gestures are less frightening than attempting to engage in an entire conversation but can build camaraderie over time.
While these are just a few suggestions, they are relatively easy to manage and build skills that can be applied to a lifetime of learning and life and social situations. So, here’s to a new year and new possibilities!
