Counselor's Corner

December is always an exciting month for students with all the special events happening. It makes learning lots of fun along with many home & family events happening. We are almost half way through the school when winter break hits. Hard to believe!

We had Parent Conferences last month so now you parents have some tangible and specific information to work with in helping your child succeed academically and social-emotionally. Also, to give yourself a report card on how you're doing as a parent and where you can improve. A well-respected Parent Educator said, "If you want different reactions from children, you need to have different actions as a parent". I love this quote! So many times we forget the power we have as parents/adults. We want to change the child, yet really when we change ourselves, behavior really shifts. We get stuck in our parenting patterns and habits. See below for some parenting tips and strategies to see what might be helpful to up your parenting skill set.

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Wishing you all a wonderful month of making memories, fun-filled events and just having time together! Elementary school goes by fast... enjoy each of these years with your precious, adorable children!!

Included this month -

• San Diego Family Magazine - December
• All About Friendship
• What's Happening in the Counseling Room
• 25 Minutes of Parenting Videos
• Quick Read Articles
• Handouts to Hang-up - Gratitude

Warmly,

~DeAnn House, School Counselor

As always.... Take what you need and leave the rest!

Friendship is probably the topic that creates the most joy for students and the most conflicts & challenges. In many of my parent conversations, friendship issues come up so know you are not alone. Kids are learning about -

• Boundaries
• Conflict Resolution
• Who they are and who other people are
• Social dynamics and more!

Children mature at different rates and have a whole range of different social skills. This is a topic I'll continue posting about because of how it seems to be more challenging than ever for kids for a variety of reasons. It's one of the best topics for you to focus on practicing with your child - resolving conflict, how to apologize, I Messages, how to be a good friend, etc.

*We will be having SEL Lessons on this topic as well. 💜

• Lunch Lounge - every Tuesday & Thursday for 2nd-5th graders, 26 students have an opportunity to come into the Counseling Room for Lunch Recess. Students get to play card & board games, Legos, Playdough, Art, puzzles, etc. and just hang out to take a break from the playground.
• Kindness Club - we'll be having a meeting to start planning the "Great Kindness Challenge" in January.
• HOPE Squad for 5th Grade - this will be starting this month.

Please let us know how I can support your child or if counseling services are needed.

• Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays - On site (*these days might vary certain weeks due to site needs, or district meetings, etc.) *Note: Fridays - Non-work day

• Email - dhouse@powayusd.com
• Telephone - (858) 484-1600 x-3104
• Fill out a Counseling Referral Form for your child if you feel your child needs services.

Kindest Regards,

DeAnn House, School Counselor - dhouse@powayusd.com

The following resources are available 24/7 for mental health support should you need resources for yourself or someone you care about.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK

The Access & Crisis Line San Diego 1-888-724-7240,

The Crisis Text Line - Text HOME to 741741.