Parent Source 08-31-16

Parent Source 1 | Parent Source | Fall 2016

Serving DeKalb County

Fall Resource Guide for Parents

Celebrate the last days of summer Beyond sports Food allergies at school

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Table of Contents 3 Is Gen Z totally digital.......................... 5 Beyond sports........................................ 7 Celebrate the last days of summer........ 8 Food allergies at school...................... 10 Back to school anxiety..........................

Parent Source is distributed in the Daily Chronicle

Project Manager: Lisa Angel Design & Layout: Rob Szekely We reserve the right to include and edit all editorial content of this publication.

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Back to School Anxiety Fran Tierney, MA LCPC Psychotherapist It’s that time of year, once again. Back to School! For some, those words represent excitement, fun, and new school supplies, while for others, it means dread, fear and excessive worry. For most, it is a combination of both. As a parent, what does this mean? How do you help your child or teenager adjust to a new school year? How do you know if you child has anxiety and would benefit from treatment?

As adults, we know that occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. Anxiety is one of the most common mental health challenges facing our country. However, when anxiety goes from situational and occasional to feelings of excessive worry, fear or debilitating doubt and rumination, it can negatively impact a students’ academic and social performance. It is estimated that one out of every 10 children, ages 12-17, experiences mild to severe anxiety.

Signs and Symptoms: With the beginning of a new school year, it is common for children and adolescents to experience the night-beforethe-first-day-of-school difficulty going to sleep, as well as first day jitters. Unfortunately, though for some, symptoms may be a bit worse, and more long term. How do you know if your child or adolescent is suffering from mild to severe anxiety?

Common anxiety signs and symptoms include: Excessive worry, in addition to feeling restless or on edge; Fatigue; Difficulty with concentration; Unable to control worry; Sleep difficulties, Increased self-consciousness, Fear of being rejected or embarrassed in front of peers or teachers; Avoidance of certain places or social events; Physical symptoms may include, feeling nauseous, and trembling in front of others. Other patterns or symptoms may include frequent requests to stay home from school, or frequent visits to the school nurse. In the classroom, some with anxiety may struggle with managing behavior or have a difficult time concentrating.

In severe cases, few students may experience anxiety-based school refusal. These situations, are often triggered by other stressful life events, such as family changes or bullying. As children/adolescents avoid going to school and the amount of absences increase, it becomes increasingly difficult to return to class. They often will struggle with cognitive distortions, such as negative thinking and all or nothing thinking patterns, as well as negative assumptions that their experience will be unpleasant for some reason. Parents need to be consistent with their message on the importance of going to school as well the expectation that students will go to school. In these cases, assistance from a mental health professional is helpful and necessary, for the student as well as support for the parent.

How to help: There are many things that may be helpful to students in the management of mild anxiety.

1. Adequate sleep time and nutrition- Feeling rested and eating a balanced, healthy diet can reduce the experience of anxiety.

2. Daily structure and routine- Simply setting a bed time routine and morning routine can be comforting and can ease worry or concern.

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3. Establishing an open dialogue- Each day ask your child adolescent about their day, show caring and interest.

When students feel supported and heard at home, it contributes to their overall confidence.

4. Encourage your student to focus on the positive aspects of their school day, their favorite class or a favorite teacher, or even an upcoming school event.

5. Support and encourage problem solving techniques- If something isn’t working, encourage your student to find a way to plan or do something differently.

6. Parents also should be aware of their own disposition and attitude about school- Children and adolescents are sensitive to how others in the family are feeling.

When symptoms of anxiety continue, beyond the typical pattern of adjustment, it may be beneficial to connect your child or adolescent to a licensed mental health professional.

Psychotherapy is proven to be helpful in resolving current issues as well as learning to manage future anxiety triggers.

Specifically, cognitive behavioral therapy which focuses on handling life challenges as well as overcoming negative thinking patterns. In some instances, medication is a component in addition to therapy that can work for those who have more severe anxiety patterns.

*Fran Tierney is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, with over 18 years of clinical experience. She provides therapy to adolescents, adults, couples and families. Her areas of treatment speciality include, Anxiety Disorders, Depressive Disorders, Eating Disorders, NonSuicidal Self Injury, Marital and Relational Issues, Stress management, Self esteem issues,  as well as general mental health issues. She has worked in the DeKalb Community for over 15 years, and in the past, served as a Director and Therapist in the local community mental health center.  Ms. Tierney currently works in private practice at the Associates in Counseling in Sycamore Illinois. You can visit her website: www. frantierneylcpc.com or call 815.899.0501 to learn more. Â

the choice is clear

Be sure your child’s vision makes the grade before heading back to school.

Come to Friedrichs Eye of Sycamore and complete your child’s state required eye screening for free!* Pick up screening forms at our office or download online at www.friedrichseye.com.

JASON FRIEDRICHS, MD

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Is

Gen Z solely digital?

How today’s students learn best

All students heading back to school this year are part of the new generation known as Gen Z. Born in the years of 1995-2012, this group is defined by the fact that they grew up with a widespread usage of technology from a very young age. Laptops, software, apps and digital devices have granted them powerful tools to access nearly the entire bank of human knowledge. However, it is important to understand this generation is not solely digital, as studies have found handwriting and analog tools remain important elements of communication when it comes to learning.

According to a recent study commissioned by the Postit Brand, 85 percent of Gen Z students feel they learn best when they use both digital and non-digital tools for schoolwork.

The study underlines how this group lives in a “phigital” world, a term coined by David Stillman, who is an author, speaker and expert on Gen Z. That is, physical and digital.

He finds “Gen Z students are adept and fluent with technology, yet they still value and see the benefits of nondigital practices such as writing things down with pen and paper and especially communicating face-to-face.”

His son, Jonah Stillman, a 17-year old high school student who writes and speaks about Gen Z, agrees, “I can’t

imagine life without technology, as I use it throughout the day, even at school. However, when I’m studying for that big test or trying to remember something from class, I find it helps to actually write things down.”

By understanding how Gen Z students think, communicate and learn best, parents can set them up for success as they head back to school.

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ways to make learning ‘sticky’ for your student

Harness the strengths of both digital and analog study tools According to the same study from the brand, 61 percent of respondents use both digital devices and handwritten notes when it comes to school work. In fact, 81 percent stated that they would feel restricted if they could only work on digital devices. Before the start of the school year, talk to your student about their needs and find digital and non-digital tools that complement one another. Perhaps they would prefer to open a textbook and flag key points to remember rather than download the e-book on their tablet.

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On the other hand, they may prefer an e-book but learn best when they can jot down key facts on paper. Equip students with the supplies they need to study efficiently.

Find a note-taking solution that works Handwritten notes helped 93 percent of students keep up with schoolwork in a typical week. Whether they prefer to type lecture notes or write them out longhand, students will better recall and retain important information when they extract key details from a dense outline of notes. Therefore, as students review their notes, they should jot down facts and reminders on Post-it Super Sticky Notes. Not only does the act of writing enhance retention, but the notes can stick and restick to organize ideas in a notebook or on a desk, as well as be used as flash cards.

“Using sticky notes is ideal as it taps into exactly how Gen Z has been trained to communicate,” says David Stillman.

“From social media posts to texts, they typically write in sound bites. Giving them a full sheet of paper would feel more out of place, if not overwhelming.”

Remember how Gen Z interacts and communicates with others While Gen Z has spent years texting and tweeting, electronic communication is not the only medium. In

fact, 84 percent of Gen Z said they prefer face-to-face communication, according a study called “Gen Z @ Work,” conducted by Gen Z Guru and the Institute for Corporate Productivity. An in-person meeting works well for these students. Therefore, consider setting up a weekly afterschool session to touch base with a teacher, or review lessons with a tutor or peer.

Understand there is a time and place for digital devices, but balance is key Some students may be distracted in classrooms by the temptation to text friends and browse social media, while other students find digital devices are helpful for tasks like researching information for a report or reading current events. Evaluate your student and whether smart phones, tablets and laptops are being used for education-related

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BEYOND SPORTS: Off-the-field afterschool activities to challenge your child

From soccer to lacrosse, sports are what most parents initially think about when considering extracurricular activities for their children. However, today’s schools and communities understand there’s a need for diverse afterschool options that challenge kids in a variety of ways.

“While participating in sports can have many benefits, to raise a well-rounded child it’s important to consider other afterschool activities that help them to develop different skillsets,” says Ellen Marks, educational expert and curriculum director at Bricks 4 Kidz. “Introducing a variety of activities helps kids have many experiences so they can discover their natural talents as well as improve areas where they may struggle.”

These extracurricular activities are guaranteed to broaden your children’s horizons and provide them with plenty of fun and education:

Nature: Because we live in such a digitized world, many

school systems are now offering nature-based programs that teach important science and biology skills while instilling respect for Mother Nature. Check out these types of programs at school or through your local nature center.

Theater: Many kids dream of becoming stars on their

favorite TV shows, and theater experience is the first step in exploring that interest. Acting classes, musical theater and play production are all great options enjoyed by students with a wide-range of abilities.

STEM: Help your kids grow important science,

technology, engineering and math skills through STEM classes like Bricks 4 Kidz. These group classes - available for kindergarten through middle school - use LEGO Bricks, gears, motors and more to build exciting projects. Students learn to work together and solve problems while creating something they can feel proud of.

Music: Music afterschool activities exercise the brain in

a variety of ways. Inherently creative, music is also very technical. Learning about notes, chords and music theory

is mathematical in many ways. Explore choir, instrument classes and band camps to inspire your junior Mozart.

Martial arts: Taekwondo (from Korea) and Karate

(from Japan) are both great options for children. Classes offer physical exercise that improve balance and stamina, but parents enjoy many of the other benefits that often come from studying martial arts, including increased focus, discipline and respect for others.

Cooking: With the expansive popularity of cooking shows, kids have never had more interest in what goes on in the kitchen. Sign students up for cooking classes and they’ll learn proper cooking technique and whip up some tasty treats in the process. Soon enough, you may be able to hand off one meal a week to your chef-in-training.

Art: With the reality of many schools reducing or

cutting art programs, exploring art education outside of the classroom becomes even more important. Kids love to create and there are a variety of art programs for the next Picasso or Rembrandt. Drawing programs are wildly popular, but also consider sculpture, pottery and mixedmedia classes.

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Celebrate the last days of summer with a weekend getaway for the whole family Plan a quick family getaway to enjoy summer’s final days Before those magical summer days vanish into fall, now is a good time to pack your suitcases, load up the car and escape on a final summer adventure.

The late days of summer offer much to enjoy for a new segment of traveler: the Seekender. They are bold adventurers who take advantage of the weekend to pursue their passions.

Professional surfer Bethany Hamilton knows a few things about the Seekender lifestyle.

“With my family, we seek to live the life we love together, especially on the weekend of busy workfilled weeks,” Bethany says.

Does this sound like you and your family? Get out the map, choose a place you haven’t experienced yet and get ready for a fun weekend. This is how Bethany does it:

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Put a cap on drive time: Don’t waste the weekend with

Get outdoors: Embrace the outdoors and the warm

hours and hours in the car. Bethany tries to avoid ultralong travel days, so her little one can get a nap in. Find a destination you can reach without hassle within three hours or so, while the kids doze and relax in the back seat. On Saturday, you’ll wake up at your getaway spot, ready to seize the weekend.

weather before it cools down in the fall. Did you know that the National Parks Service maintains 397 parks and 2,461 national landmarks? Bethany has added Yellowstone National Park to her travel bucket list. If you’re feeling more adventurous, this is a perfect time of year to visit the mountains. In the summer months, the parks often offer alpine slides and mountain biking trails.

Think simple: Don’t book every hour of the day with an activity. Back off a bit on the planning, and set your sights on one or two spots you’d like to visit each day. Leave some space for relaxation and spontaneity. Go with the flow and consider letting the kids help make the plans for the day.

Involving them in the planning will keep everyone’s mood elevated and allow for a stress-free trip.

Pick the right hotel: Choose a hotel that offers a variety of

Be on the lookout for family friendly activities: Along

locations so your entire family can have a good night’s sleep wherever you land. Hampton by Hilton is the perfect option for your family weekend getaway. With a free hot breakfast for every guest and takeaway bags for families on-the-go, you don’t have the hassle of planning breakfast. Downtime at the hotel is also easy and relaxing, with free Wi-Fi, and, at most locations, an exercise room and a pool.

with the usual parks and museums, don’t forget to check for special weekend events in your area. In the final weeks of summer, for example, fair and festival season is in full swing.

Set aside some time for the destination’s local festivals or state fairs, where the kids can enjoy carnival rides, local music and food.

Pack up the bags and begin planning your next threeday weekend trip with your family. For inspiration, follow Bethany’s Seekender adventures on HamptonSeekender. com and join the conversation on social media at #Seekender.

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Safe, quality enrichment activities on-site at your child’s school for grades K-8 Activities include homework support, health & fitness, science, arts & crafts, character development and healthy snacks We’ve got you covered on Early Release days and School’s out days too Now serving Brooks, Cortland, Founders, Jefferson, Lincoln, Littlejohn, Malta, Tyler, Huntley, Clinton Rosette & Hiawatha Hours: After the bell rings until 5:30pm

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In 2011, Congress passed the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act to improve food safety in the United States. This act shifted the focus of food safety from response to prevention. The shift resulted in new guidelines for parents and educators to manage the risks of food allergies and severe allergic reactions.

There might not be a cure for food allergies, but there are some steps you can take to ensure your child is safe at school:

Form a partnership with teachers and school staff Communication is key when it comes to managing allergy risks. Introduce yourself to all the adults your child sees every day, from teachers and nurses to bus drivers, cafeteria staff and administrators. There are often misconceptions surrounding food allergies, so take this time to clear those up. Provide specific information about your child’s needs and how each staff member can support them each day, as well as in an emergency situation.

Have a collection of go-to safe snacks

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If it seems like life-threatening food allergies are more common than they were when you were a kid, you’re not imagining it. The number of children with food allergies increased by nearly 50 percent between 1997 and 2011, according to a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Researchers are working to discover why food allergies are on the rise in developed countries around the world.

Food allergies can be scary, but don’t let food become an object of fear in your family. Allergies create an opportunity to teach your kids about safe eating.

Find safe snacks to put in your child’s lunchbox or backpack, like Snyder’s of Hanover pretzels, which are now made in a peanut-free facility and safe for kids

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5 tips for protecting kids with food allergies at school

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Teach your child to manage their allergies

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with peanut allergies. Kids with allergies often feel left out during times with class treats, but storing wholesome and tasty options like these in their locker is the perfect solution.

Have your child wear a medical ID

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Encourage your child to advocate for his or herself when it comes to prevention. Find books about food allergies to read with younger children and help them practice with auto-injector trainers. When they’re ready, teach them to read food labels, speak up for themselves at school, avoid non-labeled or homemade foods and recognize the symptoms of a reaction.

You can keep your kids safe when you’re around, but when they’re at school, camp or even a friend’s house, you can’t always protect them.

Wearing a medical ID helps kids remember exactly what they’re allergic to. And if they have a reaction when you’re not there, a medical ID lets others know what to do by listing your contact information and instructing to use an auto-injector or call 911.

Parent Source Serving DeKalb County

Spring Resource Guide for Parents

Have a plan for emergencies

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Spring 2016

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You can download the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Emergency Care Plan from the Food Allergy Research and Education website. This plan outlines recommended treatment in case of an allergic reaction and has space for specific doctor notes and emergency contact information. It also includes allergens, symptoms and easy-to-follow treatment instructions. Print out several copies of your plan and keep them in an easily accessible place. Let your physician, school staff and other parents know it is available.

Follow these steps to ensure your child is as safe as possible from their food allergens. To learn more about food safety, visit foodallergy.org and for more peanut-free snack options, visit snydersofhanover. com.

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