Executive Function Skills - What are they and why are they important for middle schoolers?
The DHMS Counselors go into all of the Social Studies classrooms every fall and talk about Executive Function Skills. Through out the rest of the school year, teachers expand on these skills, as they are essential to being a successful middle school student and beyond. Below are the 10 skills that we went over back in October with the kids. If you notice that your child struggles with more than a couple of these skills, reach out to your school counselor for help.
1. Self Understanding
2. Organizational Skills
3. Time Management Ability
4. Emotion Control
5. Behavior Control
6. Flexibility
7. Initiative
8. Attention
9. Working Memory
10. Persistence
Video Game Addiction: Symptom Checklist
Are you worried about your child’s video game habits? Take a look at this video game addiction symptoms checklist that Dr. David Walsh created. Dr. David Walsh is an award winning psychologist, best selling author, international, and co-founder of the Spark & Stitch Institute.
(One of the DHMS Counselor's favorite parenting resources).
While this is not a diagnostic tool, it can help you assess whether or not games are an unhealthy part of your child’s life and if you might need the help of a professional.
(Scoring Instructions. 1=never; 2= rarely; 3= sometimes; 4=often; 5= constant)
- ____ Spends more and more time playing video games or cyber-activities.
- ____ Argues about and resists any restrictions put on video game or Internet use.
- ____ Withdraws from friends and activities to spend time playing.
- ____ Repeatedly breaks family rules about when and how much game playing is allowed.
- ____ Sneaks and lies about game playing or Internet use.
- ____ Neglects school work and other responsibilities because of play or use.
- ____ Throws temper tantrums when limits are imposed.
- ____ Neglects relationships because of cyber-use,
- ____ Thinks about playing or cyber-use when not actively doing so.
- ____ Is unhappy or depressed when not playing or using computer/Internet.
- ____ Neglects sleep in order to play of use computer/Internet.
- ____ Neglects personal hygiene and appearance because of cyber-use.
- ____ Tries to limit cyber-use time but is unable to do so.
- ____ Family members or friends complain about person’s cyber-use.
- ____ Continues to play or use in spite of negative consequences.
- ____ Is only happy when playing or on-line.
- ____ More and more friends are gamers or on-line friends.
- ____ Plays games or stays on line longer than planned.
- ____ Skips school or work to play or go on line.
- ____ Denies that there is any problem in spite of negative consequences.
Scores range between 20 and 100. Scores above 59 indicate possible addiction. Get the help of a trusted mental health professional if you think your child needs support.
Spark & Stitch Institue also created a tool called the I'd Rather Inventory for adults who are worried that video games are taking over a child’s life. While this is not a diagnostic tool, it is a helpful “first pass” to help you determine whether or not gaming or Internet use is becoming a problem. This tool is linked below.
Stress vs. Anxiety
Stress is generally is a response to an external cause, such as taking a big test or arguing with a friend. Stress goes away once the situation is resolved. Stress can be positive or negative. For example, it may inspire you to meet a deadline, or it may cause you to lose sleep.
Anxiety is generally is internal, meaning it's your reaction to stress. Anxiety usually involves a persistent feeling of apprehension or dread that doesn't go away, and that interferes with how you live your life. Anxiety is constant, even if there is no immediate threat.
Both Stress and Anxiety can affect your mind and body. You may experience symptoms such as:
- Excessive worry
- Uneasiness
- Tension
- Headaches or body pain
- High blood pressure
- Loss of sleep
Ways to Cope
- Keep a journal.
- Download an app with relaxation exercises.
- Exercise and eat healthy.
- Get regular sleep.
- Avoid excess caffeine.
- Identify and challenge your negative thoughts.
- Reach out to friends and family
Life can be stressful. If you are struggling to cope, or the symptoms of your stress or anxiety won’t go away, it could affect your health. All of the above information is directly from National Institute of Mental Health.
Learn more at https://go.usa.gov/xfQKq. #shareNIMH
