VPMS Counselor's Corner

Perseverance can be an important factor if you child's success! Much if it has to do with cultivating the right attitude. Here are some ways to help reinforce this value at home:

🧠 Build a Growth Mindset

Use “yet” language: Encourage phrases like “I haven’t mastered this yet” to promote persistence.

Celebrate effort over outcome: Praise hard work, strategy, and improvement rather than just success.

🎯 Set Realistic Goals and Track Progress

Break big goals into smaller steps: Help your child set “stepping-stone” goals to make progress feel achievable. Use visual trackers: Charts or journals can help them see their growth and stay motivated.

📚 Share Stories of Perseverance

Read biographies or watch movies featuring characters who overcame adversity (e.g., Thomas Edison, Malala Yousafzai). Discuss fictional characters from books or shows who demonstrate grit, like Harry Potter or Katniss Everdeen.

🧩 Try Hands-On Activities

Puzzle challenges: Jigsaw puzzles or brain teasers teach patience and persistence.

Gardening or caring for plants: These activities require consistent effort and delayed gratification.

Obstacle courses or “The Maze” activity: Create physical or mental challenges that require problem-solving and perseverance.

💬 Encourage Reflection and Problem-Solving

Talk through setbacks: Ask questions like “What could you try next?” or “What did you learn from that?” Teach decision-making skills: Help them evaluate options and consequences when facing challenges.

🛠 Use Digital Tools and Resources

Class Dojo’s Big Ideas Series: These short animated episodes introduce perseverance in relatable ways. SEL apps and games: Tools that reward effort and persistence can reinforce these values in a fun format.

🏡 Create a Supportive Environment

Model perseverance yourself: Share your own struggles and how you overcame them.

Avoid rescuing too quickly: Let them experience manageable failure and learn to bounce back.

As children go through life, they will inevitably come into conflict sooner or later. These disagreements can range from seemingly minor squabbles to far more serious disputes, and dealing with them in an effective, mature manner is an absolutely vital skill – one that takes some time and effort to cultivate.

In children and young people’s formative years, it’s incredibly important for parents and educators to know how to teach them conflict resolution, as well being able to model this skill effectively. This guide offers expert advice on helping youngsters avoid unnecessary conflict and supporting them in finding solutions when clashes arise.

Smart Habits for Mental Wellness Online

• Set time limits: Use app timers or screen time settings to cap your daily usage. Spending less time scrolling can reduce anxiety and improve sleep.

• Curate your feed: Follow accounts that uplift you and unfollow or mute those that trigger stress, comparison, or negativity.

• Take scheduled breaks: Designate tech-free times during your day or week. Even short breaks can help reset your mood and reduce overstimulation.

• Engage, don’t just consume: Actively commenting, sharing, and messaging can foster connection. Passive scrolling tends to increase feelings of isolation.

• Be mindful of emotional triggers: Notice how you feel after using certain platforms. If you’re left feeling agitated or down, it’s a sign to step away.

• Avoid doom scrolling: Limit exposure to distressing news or content. Algorithms often amplify negativity, so be intentional about what you consume.

• Use privacy settings: Protect your mental space by controlling who can interact with you and what you see.

• Seek support online: Social media can be a gateway to mental health resources, peer support groups, and communities that reduce stigma.

• Practice self-compassion: Remind yourself that social media is a highlight reel. Comparing your life to others’ curated posts can distort reality.

• Educate yourself: Learn about the psychological effects of social media and stay informed about healthy digital habits.

These tips aren’t about quitting social media—they’re about using it in ways that support your well-being. If you ever feel overwhelmed, talking to a mental health professional can help you navigate your digital habits more effectively.

Students in grades 5-8 will be working not only on perseverance this month, but also recognizing emotions and how that effects relationship development and social awareness.

Groups will also be starting - Friendship skills, academic success, and executive functioning supports to name a few! Students will also be able to drop in during Academic Lab time to practice specific social skills on Mondays and Fridays.

VPSD is so proud to be able to help provide support to our students and their families through generous donations and the volunteer work of our community. Please contact me if you and your family has a need (ie, coats, shoes, clothes, personal hygiene, etc...) At this time, we also have a number of backpacks and school supplies. You can contact me via email or phone call, or drop by anytime!

OR - if you know of a specific item you need, please fill out the following Google Form and a counselor will reach out to you as soon as possible.

If any of our families are experiencing food insecurity, please reach out to Circle of Concern (right here in Valley Park) or one of the many pantries listed on the pages below.

In addition, VPMS partners with Circle of Concern to provide weekly meal/snack bags. Please contact me if you are interested in receiving one each Friday.