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Research informs us about the devastating effects that parental depression can have on the well-being of children, especially if family silence surrounds the illness. Dr. William Beardslee, Psychiatrist in Chief at Children’s Hospital Boston, writes about his work helping families break the silence caused by parental depression in,”Out of the Darkened Room: When a Parent is Depressed. Protecting the Children and Strengthening the Family.”
Despite the heavy topic, this book offers hope and practical tips for family members exposed to parental depression and the professionals working with these families. Dr. Beardslee outlines several key interventions for breaking the silence and shares case examples as he illustrates the careful work of implementing these interventions. One of the keys to breaking the silence is planning for and holding a family meeting where the parental depression is named and discussed. The conversation and sharing that is started in this meeting is continued through the coming days, months and years as the family members come to understand depression and how it impacts their family.
I love to find parenting resources that are informative and supportive. Check out the following link for the “Good Enough Moms” website and be sure to look through the podcast archives and schedule of upcoming shows. “Good Enough Moms” is the work of Dr. Marti and Erin Erickson, a mother-daughter team.
http://www.goodenoughmoms.com/
 I love teaching classroom social and emotional learning lessons and enjoy incorporating songs and poems. In my experience, kindergarten students tend to maintain focus better if they change position and have some movement at least every ten minutes. The Canton, Michigan Library has put together a collection of fun poems and fingerplays for preschoolers and kindergarteners.
http://www.cantonpl.org/teller/poemsa.html
 The Socially Speaking game is a fun resource for elementary school age children who need to strengthen their social thinking skills. During the game, the players have the opportunity to consider effective social interactions at home, school, in the community and with friends. Throughout the game there are opportunities for the players to practice many skills including, understanding emotions based on facial cues, tone of voice, and volume level of the speaker, problem-solving, starting and ending conversations, asking for what you need and polite telephone manners.
This is one of the most frequently used games in my collection of resources for social thinking groups.
The following NY times article, published on April 30, 2010 is worth reading. There are so many implications for friendships with the explosion of technology and social networking. One of many things to consider is the difference in the quality of friendships in this new reality.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/02/fashion/02BEST.html
 “Queen Bees and Wannabes: Helping Your Daughter Survive Cliques, Gossip, Boyfriends, and the New Realities of Girl World.” and “Boy’s, Girls and other Hazardous Materials” by Rosalind Wiseman
On April 26, 2010, I had the pleasure of attending the “Girl World Tour.” Rosalind Wiseman, internationally known speaker, educator and author presented a workshop for moms and daughters in celebration of the publication of both her first young adult novel and the updated version of Queen Bees and Wannabes.
Continue reading Girl World
I love the resources provided by Common Sense Media. Whether you are a parent, an educator or a student, there is something for you on their website or in their newsletter.
http://www.commonsensemedia.org/
This morning, I looked at the March e-newsletter for educators and was directed to a video clip which can be accessed via the link below. In this clip, Phineas and Ferb, share some tips for parents and kids on being safe and private online.
http://www.commonsensemedia.org/get-cybersmart-phineas-and-ferb
The student media survey and the family media agreement are both great tools for getting a conversation about media use started in classrooms and in families.The digital world is exciting and ever changing and Common Sense Media is a great resource for understanding how to stay safe online. They also offer reviews of books, movies, t.v. shows and video games. Find out what they say about the latest blockbuster movies!
In 2004, Vivian Gussin Paley, teacher, educator, and author, wrote a book about play called, “A Child’s Work: The Importance of Fantasy Play.” According to an editorial review,
“A Child’s Work goes inside classrooms around the globe to explore the stunningly original language of children in their role-playing and storytelling. Drawing from their own words, Paley examines how this natural mode of learning allows children to construct meaning in their worlds, meaning that carries through into their adult lives. Proof that play is the work of children, this compelling and enchanting book will inspire and instruct teachers and parents as well as point to a fundamental misdirection in today’s educational programs and strategies.”
I found this book insightful and worthwhile. It provides additional support for rethinking the value and importance of play in a child’s day.
 Kids in the Playground The push for early academic achievement has significantly altered the priorities and focus in elementary school, particularly kindergarten. Time once spent on creative, imaginative play is now dedicated to academics. In addition, time outside of school is often allocated to structured activities rather than open afternoons of free play. This goes against the belief of many educators and child development professionals who believe that “play is a young child’s work.”
Continue reading Play – Why Children Need it
 What does teamwork look like?
What does teamwork sound like?
Take a look at the beautiful picture book called Teamwork by Ann Morris and you will see photographs of teamwork from around the world. The text describes what it takes to be part of a team including cooperation, planning and working together to get something done. Harmony is visible in each photograph. The possibilities of what can be accomplished by teamwork are as grand as peace for the world’s family according to Morris.
Continue reading Teaching Children about Teamwork
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