Your Children Need YOU: Parent Involvement is Essential

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Today, I had planned to talk to you about parent involvement. In light of the tragedies in Boston and West, this issue is even more important. Our children are bombarded at an early age with issues that are difficult to process. They see, hear and read about tragedy all too often.

We, as the adults, must help protect and prepare our children for the uncertainty of life. I have said it before but I want to reiterate it - we must talk to our children. Turn off the tv and digital devices – and interact with your children. Engaging kids in age-appropriate conversations is crucial to their development. Our kids need to talk and process all kinds of issues. And we, as parents must listen and ask important questions to help them process the tragedies around them. From the anxiety of taking state tests to the pressures of college admissions, our students face emotional issues that they need to talk through. I encourage you to spend time each day talking to your child. Engage in conversation. Ask about their hopes, dreams, fears, and anxieties. Talking does help.

Several of our campuses including Davis, Riverchase, Bush, Ranchview, Kent, and McLaughlin Strickland have programs specifically for dads. The programs help dads connect with their children in a deep and much needed way. Dads, get involved. Be present in your child's life. Talk to your children. And become involved

in your child's school.


I want to remind you that we have professional counselors on each campus. If you and your child need help or guidance, use them as a resource.

Remember this: Talk, talk, talk. Engage, engage, engage. Together, let’s commit to being involved in our children’s lives.

Parenting Tip: Specific Questions Invite Kids to Open Up

"Whether you have a preschooler or a preteen, a well-meaning but general question often only produces a one-word answer. Instead, try asking a specific question. A specific question lets your child know you are really listening, acknowledges his feelings and encourages him to respond with a specific answer."
Michael Thompson, Ph.D., Co-author, Raising Cain

I have also included links to helpful information about talking to your children about tragedies.

Talking to Your Kids about Tragedy

Resources for Parents about Tragedy