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my son to get his account of a situation
because her son came home with a
complaint and she knows that children
can leave out important information to
avoid being held accountable for their
own actions. I truly appreciated the
step that the parent took in resolving
the matter.
Apologize!
Have your child return to school and
apologize to the other student. This
can be done with a note or an act of
kindness, like sharing something with
the other student. Also reach out to
the other parents and let them know
you are aware of an incident and have
talked with your child. This small
gesture, lets the other parent know that
you do not tolerate certain behaviors
and have given consequences. This also
opens the lines of communication for
that parent to contact you should any
other concerns arise. Of course the
hope is that there are no more inci-
dents, however this has not always been
the case with my son.
Explore resources available!
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If you have ongoing concerns about
your child’s behavior, connect with
the school counselor or a commu-
nity agency. Perhaps your child may
benefit from a social skills groups,
counseling or services that help to
ensure that consequences, rewards
and target behaviors are the same at
home and at school.
I do not buy into the notion that,
“boys will be boys,” or that he will
eventually grow out of the behavior.
Suppose by middle school he has not
and the behaviors have escalated. Any
relevant interventions may have less of
a positive impact by then. Take advan-
tage of the resources available and
advocate for your child.
interactions with other parents at the
school. I felt that teachers pitied us for
having to give bad news almost every
day. A helpful phrase passed on to me:
Tomorrow is another day mommy!
I say this phrase aloud to myself and my
son sometimes on those not so good
days. I have to consciously remember
to go home and continue to show him
unconditional love, constantly remind
him of his positive attributes as well as
remind him of the behaviors that are
accepted and expected.
Parenting is not an easy role and
I believe that being less judgmental
and more supportive of each other
as mothers, fathers and guardians,
makes a world of difference to a
parent struggling with parenting.
We must encourage each other!
PREPARING
BERMUDA’S YOUTH
FOR A BRIGHT FUTURE
MSA’s internationally recognised curriculum
provides a nurturing and caring environment,
while challenging students to excel and reach
their full potential. Using an inquiry-based
teaching method from Pre-K to Grade 12,
students are engaged in a collaborative and
interactive approach to learning.
Our program promotes skills that help
students build on what they are learning, how
they think, and what they can achieve, ultimately
preparing them for post-secondary education
and the working world.
Join the MSA family.
Stay positive!
I know that is easier said than done.
I became so concerned about others’
thoughts of me as a parent and their
assumptions about our home environ-
ment, that I did not look forward to
19 Dundonald Street West, Hamilton | Telephone: 292-4134
Email: [email protected] | Website: www.msa.bm
mybermudaparent.com
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