Counseling

1. Understand the expertise and responsibilities of your child's school counselor.

School counselors make a measurable impact in every student's life, assisting with academics,    career and personal/social development. Professional school counselors are trained in both educating and counseling, allowing them to function as a facilitator between parents, teachers and students in matters concerning the student's goals, abilities and any area needing improvement. School counselors provide services not only to students in need, but to all students.

2. Meet or contact your child's school counselor at least three times per school year.

The beginning of a school year is an excellent opportunity to initiate contact with your child's school counselor. Find out who the counselor is and what his/her experience and background are. By communicating with one another at the beginning, middle and end of the school year, parents and counselors can have a definite impact on a child's success.

3. Discuss your child's challenges and concerns with the school counselor. 

As a parent, you know your child best. However, the school counselor can help you better understand your child as a student. It is important to encourage your child's expression of needs, hopes and frustrations. School counselors are trained to help children.

4. Learn about your child's school and social connections from the school counselor.

When you need information or assistance, your counselor can help you get in touch with the appropriate school officials; learn about school policies on behavior, attendance and dress code; know the school calendar of important dates. The school counselor also can help you locate resources in the community when you need them.

5. Work with the school counselor to identify resources and find solutions to problems.

If your child is having a problem at school, it is important to work with your school counselor to find solutions. Discuss resources available within and outside of the school, and get information on how such programs can benefit your child.

Your school counselor can be a valuable partner in your child's education and preparation for life beyond school!

Fathers, you can be involved with your child while at school. Visit our Hodge WatchD.O.G.S website for more information.

Elementary School-Age Children

From ages two through nine typically need 13 to 10 hours per night. Too many children are not getting adequate sleep. We now know that chronic sleep deprivation has many consequences. Children who do not receive adequate sleep are not as attentive, are prone to be more irritable, can be hyperactive, and/or may appear flat in their mood. Bedtime difficulties can arise at this age from a child's need for private time with parents, without siblings around. Try to make a little private time just before bedtime and use it to share confidences and have small discussions, which will also prepare your child for sleep.

Establishing a Bedtime Routine

Here's a summary of a few ways that may help your child ease into a good night's sleep:

• Include a winding-down period in the routine.
• Stick to a bedtime, alerting your child both half an hour and 10 minutes beforehand.
• Allow your child to choose which pajamas to wear, stuffed animal to take to bed, etc.
• Consider playing soft, soothing music.
• Tuck your child into bed snugly for a feeling of security.

There isn't one sure way to raise a good sleeper, but every parent should be encouraged to know that most kids have the ability to sleep well. The key is to try, from early on, to establish healthy sleep habits.

Helping Kids Make Good Choices

Making choices is a daily experience and for most it must be modeled and learned.

Show your children how to TARGET good decisions with these six steps:

1. Think about each choice before you react.

2. Ask yourself what will happen if you make that choice.

3. Remember your goals. Your decision should be in alignment with your long term goals.

4. Gather the facts. Get additional information or ask an important person their opinion.

5. Explore other possibilities. Are there additional choices or solutions you haven"t considered?

6. Think about your final decision and it"s consequences

Helping Your Child Succeed in School

Remember, success in school begins at home since parents are a child"s first and most important teachers.

Children are strongly influenced by their parent"s attitudes towards school and the learning process. It is vital for parents to be the most positive role models possible.

* Meet with your child"s teachers to find out how they are doing in class.

* Check your child"s agenda daily.

* Provide a quiet place at home for your child to do homework.

*Adding structure such as scheduling activities and studying time will help children. We have TAKS study guides available, if you child doesn"t bring their textbooks home or always says "I don"t have anything to study"

Teaching Your Child the Value of Responsibility

Parents agree that responsibility is one of the most important characteristics they wish their children to develop. Responsible behavior will help a child meet all of life"s tasks and become more self-confident, independent, and successful.

Tips:

*Be good role models but don"t be afraid to let your child see that you"re not perfect.

*Give children opportunities to take on responsibility for themselves and others.

*Make sure your child knows what is expected and set high but attainable goals.

*Encourage helpfulness and participation in tasks.

***Allow children to bear the consequences of their actions. This is often the most difficult, but the most beneficial. When no built-in consequences exists, devise one that is logical and fair