Welcome to the Parents’ Lounge
... a place for parents and caregivers to get information and support
(Not just Mom and Dad, but all of you Aunts and Grandmas who are raising kids too!)
At Youth Services, we know that raising kids who are healthy and well-adjusted is the toughest job on earth. That’s why we try to do as much as we can to support parents and caregivers just like you who are facing the everyday challenges of family life.
For starters, each month in the Parents’ Lounge, we will highlight a common parenting concern or a trend in youth culture that we want you to be aware of. You’ll find this information in “Pointers for Parents”.
You can also get parenting information through our lending library which includes some of the newest and most popular books on parenting. For example ... say you are looking for some help navigating the rocky terrain of dealing with teens, if you stop by the office you will find:
"Trust me, Mom everyone is going" by Roni Cohen-Sandler, Ph.D. coauthor of "I'm Not Mad, I just Hate You!"
"Get out of my Life, but first could you drive me and Cheryl to the Mall?" a parents guide to the new teenager by Anthony E. Wolf, Ph.D.
Not only do we have some great books, but we have free brochures and pamphlets on substance abuse, suicide, stress, eating disorders, and hundreds of other topics. You don’t even have to come in the office to get them! You can find them displayed outside our office, available to you whenever the Town Hall is open.
Finally, if you should find yourself in a family situation that seems unmanageable, please call us. We provide referrals to other public and private agencies to help with mental health issues, beyond control kids, substance abuse treatment, domestic violence, or any other issues your family may be facing.
Pointers For Parents:
Back to school Jitters: Easing Your Child's Fears
It’s that time of year again! Going from lazy summer days to early morning buses and homework can be a stressful transition. It is normal to have fears and anxiety about starting a new school year. Whether your child is going to be a senior or starting a new school, most students are anxious about what lies ahead. Your child’s fears could include: rumors about a hard teacher, a lack of friends in their class, finding someone to sit with during lunch or countless other concerns about a new school year. Although each student responds differently, there are several steps you can take as a parent to help your child successfully navigate through these stressful times.
Being prepared can work wonders when calming your child's first day jitters. Your kids have probably spent the summer relaxing, sleeping in and going to bed a little later. Make sure to get them back into their usual school-year sleeping and eating habits a week before the first day. If your child is going to a new school, take them on a tour a couple of days before school starts.
Try to create an atmosphere at home that encourages success at school. In addition to getting all the needed school supplies, creating an organized study area at home may help your child develop a sense of importance in his or her homework. Social Services can help families in need acquire necessary school supplies.
Rushing on the first day only adds to the anxiety. Prepare their first day outfit along with any school supplies or a lunch box the night before, and give yourself plenty of time in the morning to sit down to a healthy breakfast. Because the first day of school happens once a year, why not turn it into an opportunity for a family tradition. Leave a note or a surprise in your children’s new backpack for them to discover.
If your child is having difficulties making friends in a new school, outside hobbies or sports may provide an opportunity for you child to interact with peers outside his or her usual circles. Here at Youth Services, we offer several trips and open programs which are great opportunities to meet new friends.
In the end, the most important parental tool is to know your child. Every child handles the back-to-school jitters differently, but it is important to talk to your children about any fears they may have and reassure them it's perfectly normal to feel a little nervous. Although they may not always show it, your support and guidance is an irreplaceable pillar for your children’s development.
Meet our new Intern- Crystal MacKinnon
Earlier this year, CYSB entered into a partnership with the Social Work Program at Eastern CT State University to provide Field placement for their students. The Field Placement program combines classroom learning with practical field education under the supervision of professional social workers. This helps students become skillful in a variety of helping roles and effective in work with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.
Our new intern, Crystal MacKinnon will be here 3 days a week throughout most of the school year. She is really excited about this opportunity and is looking forward to getting to know the kids and helping plan programs. “I’m very excited for the opportunity to work with the youth of Colchester. I look forward to implementing positive and rewarding programs that will impact their lives.” Please join us in welcoming Crystal and wishing her luck as she begins her training for a promising career in Social Work.
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