Research is changing as data continues to roll in around pre-teens and their social media use. Please join me in a virtual call to discuss how we can work together as a community to ensure children have the boundaries and support they need to navigate the complexities of social media and their development. 

When: Monday, April 29 at 8:30 am.

Where: Click The Link

I will send the recording and slides in next weeks WGO for families unable to attend.

One of the best ways to support your child’s development and empathy building in middle school is to support them looking through different perspectives, especially in times of anger and conflict. Here is a comprehensive list to support you at home. 

1. Personal Reflection:

   • "How do you think the other person is feeling right now?"

   • "What do you think might be going on in their life that's causing them to react this way?"

2. Role Reversal:

   • "Imagine if you were in their shoes, how would you want someone to respond to you?"

   • "What would you do differently if you were the one experiencing what they are going through?"

3. Consequences Consideration:

   • "When we react angrily, how might it affect the other person?"

   • "What could be the consequences of not considering the other person's feelings?"

4. Empathy Exercises:

   • "Let's try to think about a time when we felt similar to what they're feeling now. How did it feel?"

   • "How can we show that we understand and care about what they're going through?"

5. Seeing the Bigger Picture:

   • "What do you think might be the reasons behind their actions or words?"

   • "Sometimes people behave in certain ways because of things we might not know about. What could those things be?"

6. Problem-Solving:

   • "How can we address this situation in a way that considers both your feelings and theirs?"

   • "What compromises or solutions can we come up with that satisfy both sides?"

7. Communication Skills:

   • "How can we express our own feelings and needs while also listening to theirs?"

   • "What words or actions can we use to show that we understand and respect their perspective?"

8. Learning from Experience:

   • "What have you learned from past conflicts or disagreements?"

   • "How can we apply what we've learned to handle this situation differently?"

9. Cultural and Social Awareness:

   • "Different people have different backgrounds and experiences that shape how they see the world. How might this apply in this situation?"

   • "What cultural or social factors might be influencing their behavior?"

10. Positive Reinforcement:

    • "When you're able to consider someone else's perspective, how does it usually improve the situation?"

    • "Let's reflect on times when understanding someone else's perspective led to a positive outcome."

Activity Busing Notice:

• Please note that if you are not registered for the 4:15 or 4:45 and have not spoken to Ms. Rawand/Mr. Chip before 12 pm you WILL NOT be allowed to take the bus home that day.

Athletics and Activities website

Guide to ChatGPT for Parents and Caregiver: Find out how the artificial intelligence (AI) tool works and how to talk with kids about it.