Dr. Bush started her program by saying that children feel loved when they feel safe and secure. To give children a stronger sense of belonging and identity, Dr. Bush encouraged parents to talk with children about the story of their name and their birth story. She also shared that allowing children the freedom to form relationships with other members of the extended family can make a difference in a child’s overall health and sense of belonging.

Some of the biggest takeaways from Dr. Bush’s presentation were her remarks about being a role model of respect and being a place of comfort for children. Regardless if parents are married, not married, or divorced, children thrive when their parents are a united front. This gives children a sense of security. Dr. Bush stressed the importance of parents respecting each other’s parenting style in front of children even if it is different from their own style. Similarly, Dr. Bush said that when parents don’t set boundaries with children, children feel less secure. She also shared that after an episode of discipline, parents need to be the place of comfort for their children.

As in her previous presentations with our Lower School families, Dr. Bush cited the research studies on the positive outcomes from setting consistent routines in a family. Children like routines because they can predict what happens next, and this creates a safe feeling for them. Dr. Bush also discussed the importance of having regular family dinners around a table (don’t worry- the meals can be 10 minutes long and don’t even have be cooked by a parent). The act of eating together as a family sends the message to children that you value them and that you want to spend time with them. Dr. Bush reminded us that kids will not be left behind if they are not enrolled in multiple activities after school. Kids who learn how to self-initiate play have greater success in school as they enter 1^st and 2^nd grades. Children are more likely to remember the routines and the time they spend with parents, not the many activities they are scheduled in.

 

I am very grateful to Dr. Nell Bush for speaking with our parents this morning. We hope you will attend our next Parent Education Program next month. On November 2^nd, Dr. Kristen Ohlenforst will speak on the topic of “Learning to Worry Wisely: Examining the Parental Perspective and Worrying About the ‘Right’ Things.”

If I don’t see you tomorrow, have a wonderful Fall Break! We will see you next Thursday!

 

Sincerely,

Randal Rhodus
Head of Lower School