Ok, we know you’re busy with the summer plans and reading the news every 20 minutes. But real quick, take a second to feed your brain some good, long breaths. You could even try this little diddy, the box breathing technique, to chill out and feel fresh. Did you do it? Did you really? Ok, now on to the newsletter! This week, we’re talking about changes in COVID guidelines, NYC public school enrollment declining, the intricacies of speaking to your child mindfully, and more. Let’s move! |
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Parenting involves learning a few different languages. You start to recognize different cries and their various needs, you decipher body language and fill in the gaps when your child doesn’t have the vocabulary to express themselves. So it makes sense that you would need to look more closely at the way you actually speak. Keeping a door open for communication instead of slamming it shut when ordering a child to change their behavior is essential. On our blog, we talk about the importance of changing your “do not” language to “do” language. | | |
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In a shift of responsibility from institutions to individuals, the CDC has eased COVID guidelines including eliminating quarantines. The changes, officials say, are because many Americans now have some degree of protection, antibodies or vaccination, against the virus. This as New York City’s Department of Health confirmed the closure of municipal-run vaccination sites. |
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City data shows that NYC public school enrollment is at its lowest in a decade after enrollment dropped in every school district across the city last academic year. The Department of Education discourages the homeschooling trend born out of the pandemic that has caused the drops, saying less students means less funding for the school system. |
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Left out (Relational Aggression) |
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Last week, we talked about jealousy in children coming from a place of limited perspective, and it’s pretty similar to feeling left out. But it’s important to distinguish which is which so you can not only tailor your response to their needs at the moment, but so you can help them learn the nuances of emotion and the different ways of coping with them.
What it looks like: Talking about sitting/playing alone, Talking about having no friends, Appearing withdrawn or depressed
What to do: Listen! When your child opens up to you about being left out, it’s easy to react. Just listen to what they’re saying and how they’re feeling. When they’re done sharing, validate their feelings and demonstrate you understand how they feel. Affirm that they have the right to be safe and feel secure. Encourage them to branch out and play/socialize with other kids. They may just discover other people with the same interests. Help them foster those friendships through playdates and scheduled activities. By broadening their circle of friends, they’ll develop confidence and feel comfort on those days when they’re feeling left out in other areas. Find healthy ways to cope. Encourage them to draw, or read a book, or choose a different area to play in. Finding an outlet can help them deal with the stress and anxiety they are experiencing and may even help them to develop connections with like-minded people.
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NYC is made up of beautiful, generous, resilient communities that never fail to come together and provide for each other during a crisis. That’s what we love so much about this City. If you’re looking for a resource we haven’t touched on yet, would like to plug a fundraiser in our next newsletter, or have a bit of good news to share with the community, please let us know by emailing childinmindny@gmail.com. |
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