Special Education | Tantrum vs. Meltdown? | Talking about school
Family Focus
October 2019 Programs & News
Spotlight on Special Education
This month we offer two workshops to help parents learn about the special-education process.
On October 3rd, Maureen Shields from the Parent Information Center will provide parents with an “advocacy toolbox” of resources and strategies to help them navigate the special education process. The session will include answers to parents’ most frequently asked special education questions.
On October 10th, Jo Ann Clement from Families First will lead a discussion to help parents better understand the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and become more effective members of their children's IEP teams.
It can be hard to tell the difference between a tantrum and a meltdown simply by looking at an upset child. But understanding the differences can help you respond in ways that better support your children. Read more here.
Parents and grandparents caring for young children are invited to sign up for Positive Solutions, a six- week series focusing on strengthening social emotional skills and understanding problem behaviors. Starts Thursday, October 10th at Goodwin.
Attending a playgroup is another great way to learn more about responding to tantrums and helping children manage their big feelings. Join us at a playgroup this month -- in Somersworth, Epping, Exeter or Portsmouth -- where you will be reassured that you are not alone as you cope with the challenges and joys of parenting a young child.
The Behavioral Health team at Families First is now providing counseling to children ages 6 and up who also come to Families First for primary care. We have been offering this service for adults as part of “whole person” health care for years at Families First. We are glad to be able to expand our ability to provide “whole child” care at Families First. If you are interested in counseling for your child, please talk to your child’s provider about it the next time you are in, or call Karen at (603) 422-8208 ext. 3321.
To be able to receive counseling at Families First, children must also come to Familise First for pediatric care. Our pediatric program is open to all, and our pediatrician, Danette Colella, MD, is accepting new patients. Learn more.
Krista Vincent, MSW, will provide counseling for younger children, age 6 and up. Karen Frarie, LICSW, MLADC, will see older children and teens.
Conversation Starters for School-Aged Kids
Talking to your kids about their lives at school is important for so many reasons, but it is not always easy. Here are some ideas to start conversations about daily life and feelings that may encourage more than an answer of Yes. No. Fine.
What made you smile today?
What is lunchtime like at your school? Who do you sit with? What do you talk about?
What is it like to ride the school bus?
If you could change one thing about today what would that be?
What are you good at? What do you like best about yourself?
What good things happened? Any bad things?
Tell me something you know today that you didn't know yesterday.
Literacy Tip of the Month
Creating a steady stream of new, age-appropriate books has been shown to nearly triple interest in reading within months! And it doesn't have to cost you anything. Make it a family habit to visit your local library, and keep bringing new books into your home each month
